John Norgate
John Norgate a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Trained at Aspreys and Sir John Cass where he also taught for many years. In 2010 he was a gold and silver award winner at Goldsmiths for craftsmanship and design.
Silversmithing: Constructing and Raising with John Norgate
Ref: S5D42620
About this course
Explore your ideas for making silver objects and advance your skills. Learn methods for creating and finishing forms in sheet metal, using techniques such as press forming, casting and hand forging.
Course Description
This in-depth course combines contemporary and traditional approaches as you work on individual projects.
By combining traditional and contemporary approaches to silversmithing, this course aims to encourage you to advance both your ideas and your skills in the making of three-dimensional objects in silver.
The course is primarily focused on methods of creating forms in metal: the synclastic and anticlastic raising of sheet metal, press forming and hand forging. Estimating of materials, the properties of metals, use of necessary tools, use of the gas torch for annealing and soldering and procedures for metal finishing will also be covered. The techniques that you apply on the course will depend on the nature of your project.
Beginners can cover most techniques on the completion of three projects: raising, box making and forging. Alternatively, you could concentrate on learning one of these techniques.Intermediate and advanced students should have developed their skills further by doing more advanced projects.Design ideas are discussed on a one-to-one basis. Demonstrations will be given of the techniques covered and one-to-one practical assistance will be available.
By the end of the course, you should have effectively realised a design idea you have on paper into a three-dimensional form in silver.
Course Materials
What students need to bring
Prior to the course, students should discuss their project with the tutor, who will advise on the type and quantity of silver required and recommend suitable suppliers.
To arrange contact with the tutor before the course, please email [email protected].
The Bookings Office will pass your details to John Norgate, who will then be able to advise you on the materials you need and where best to purchase them. If you intend to cast silver, please bring any clean scrap silver with you.
Enclosed toe footwear is essential.
Available to buy
Available from the Garden Gatehouse:A range of arts and crafts materials
Additional information
Please note:
Recommended bullion suppliers are: Argex Ltd, Metalor Ltd, Exchange Findings Ltd, Bloomsteins.
Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels (e.g. £25). Please ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order.Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.
Timetable
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
General Information
Tutors
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Interested in a career in metalwork?
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more