Angus McFadyen
Angus is a silversmith and engraver. He has work in the Goldsmiths' company collection and the V&A. He is currently chair of the Hand Engravers Association and a member of Contemporary British Silversmiths.
Hand engraving and carving on metal with Angus McFadyen
Ref: SLW40627
About this course
Learn how to engrave and carve metal in low relief, using the simplest hand engraving tools. Working on sample pieces, gain the confidence to experiment and progress to inlaying metal.
Course Description
Using the simplest hand engraving tools, learn how to engrave, carve and possibly inlay metal in low relief.
For beginners, the aim of the course is to learn from scratch how to engrave/carve metal. For those with some experience, the aim is to build on existing skills and, with a bit of guidance, improve areas where necessary, as well as learning new skills, including inlaying.
The techniques covered will include setting up a new tool, transferring and marking out a design and holding your work. Working through a series of samples and test pieces, you will learn how to work at a level at which you can continue on your own and make something to be proud of.
The course will include discussions and demonstrations, with samples and illustrations, individual teaching and the chance to work on anything particular you might have in mind.
Course Materials
Included
A small piece of ply, some plasticine and two pieces of copper sheet, 80mm square x 0.8mm thick, are provided.
What students need to bring
No real preparation is needed, unless you have something specific in mind to make, in which case it is worth bringing preparatory drawings or images from which to work. Any gravers you may have
Available to buy
Available from shop: The shop stocks a good variety of art and craft materials, including 4/0 Piercing saw blades, soft pencils, square gravers 2.5mm, flat scorper No 16, round edge scorper No 6, short mushroom handles for gravers, paper, masking tape, metal sheet – copper or silver 0.8 mm thick, 80mm square.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals.
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