Ref: SLW37759
On this course, you will be developing ring linking techniques of chain mail to advance your jewellery designs. You can choose to either concentrate on practising and developing technical ring linking skills through sampling, or complete one or more pieces of jewellery. The usual material used on this course is silver, but you may work in base or mixed metals if you wish.
You should be conversant with ring linking and have at least simple soldering skills to be able to make your own clasps and findings.
You will start with refining your ideas, gathering or locating tools and materials, and then you will launch into your projects. Thereafter, all available time is spent on achieving individual aims.
The tutor will support and advise you in advancing your work, to stretch your abilities and challenge your skills. Teaching is by demonstration and individual support of technical processes and requirements.
It is useful to arrive with projects in mind. However, the tutor will encourage and help you to formulate ideas, dependent on your ability, on the first evening.
Your own tool kit (a basic tool kit is also available on loan from the College Craft Shop)
Any metals that you already have and may wish to incorporate in your work
Available from shop: Silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths suitable for a wide range of projects. Some base metals are also available. (You should be aware of the cost of silver when planning your project. Materials bought by you may work out cheaper, but only if you are quite sure of what you want to achieve, and your ability to achieve it.) Sketchbook, pencils and rubber
Available from tutor: Additional materials will also be available for purchase from the tutor. Whatever cannot be bought can easily be made by you with specialist tools and supervision provided by the tutor.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals.
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
Alison has an international reputation for her distinctive contemporary jewellery based on the ancient techniques of chainmail. Her work explores the contrast between the natural environment and the manmade and industrial world, to produce a unique style.
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
