Ref: SLW37688
On this course, you will learn about the variety of effects that can be achieved using different types of enamel and an array of colours on copper bowls. You will use both hard and soft enamels, which create patterns and colours when fired together, according to how they interact with the copper bowl. The patterns in this type of firing are random and beautiful.
You will use a variety of other materials when firing the enamel, which will allow you to explore painting designs on shallow bowls and how to apply decoration, and you will experiment with variations of both techniques. You will learn about different enamel types and their functions, in order to achieve a visually balanced design.
By the end of the course, you will have created at least two bowls using the techniques learnt, depending on the complexity of your project. You will have gained a better understanding of enamelling, and you will have created and designed bowls which are unique to your own style. You will achieve a level of technical understanding that can be further expanded and built upon.
Two copper bowls and a variety of enamels and decoration media are provided.
A notepad and pencils for design sketches
Available from shop: General art materials, pencils, paper and sketch pads, etc.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Tutor supervision required at all times.
You must be able to move around the studio freely and unaided for health and safety reasons due to the nature of the hot work. If you have any concerns, please raise this at the time of booking.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Sharon Ford works as a restorer in enamels and gilding to the London Antique trade, also a teacher of enamelling on bowls, plaques and beads. She is also a member of the Guild of Enamellers and the winner of the Chairman’s Rose Bowl in 2018 and the Rachel Gogerly Award in 2019.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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
