Beginners' silversmithing – make a small round box with Abigail Brown

Ref: SLW37772

Location: West Dean
£596
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Places available

About this course

Make a small silver cylindrical box. You will learn how to fabricate, solder, texture and construct sheet silver. Transform a flat sheet of metal into a push fit round box and finish to your own design.

Course Description

During this course, you will have the opportunity to make and complete a small cylindrical box.

You will learn methods for creating and finishing forms in sheet metal, using techniques such as roll-printing, planishing, soldering and texturing.

You will gain experience of fabricating sterling silver sheet into a box. You will transform the metal into a push fit round box with some texturing through roll printing or hammering according to your own design. Take control of the metal and produce a beautiful silver box, a unique special gift or a family heirloom.

This project is particularly suited to those who wish to learn or improve upon their soldering techniques, as there will be multiple seam joins to complete.

You will receive instruction and support in a friendly and creative atmosphere, and techniques are taught through practical demonstrations, with the emphasis on encouraging you to have a go and to develop your skills.

Course Materials

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing the silver required for the specific project set by the tutor. Please note that if there is a dramatic change in the price of silver, there may be an extra charge (or refund if the price goes down).

What students need to bring

  • Practical clothing/apron/footwear for use in the workshop at all times. For example: no long loose sleeves or dangly jewellery, and long hair must be tied back to avoid catching in machinery or gas flames. Shoes should not be high heels, ballet pumps, open toes, trainers or flip flops. Shoes should be sturdy and cover the whole foot.
  • Sketchbook and/or technical notebook
  • A digital camera (if you have one) or phone to photograph demonstrations or ideas if required
  • Inspirational books, images and source materials to help with your ideas
  • Texturing materials for roll printing (lace, feathers, dry leaves, fabric) – optional
  • If you have any tools of your own, please bring them with you (and ensure they are marked with your name).

Available to buy

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.
  • Pens, pencils and drawing materials.
  • The College provides a basic tool kit for you to use for the duration of the coruse.
  • The Shop also stocks a limited range of tools and consumables, such as saw blades, drills and abrasive materials.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio; this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

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

General Information

Tutors

Abigail Brown, Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Abigail Brown

Abigail Brown has been producing contemporary designs in silverware since graduating from Loughborough University School of Art & Design in 2001. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is widely collected.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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