This course provides a flexible and supportive environment for learners of all levels to develop their silversmithing skills through an individual project of their choosing. You may work in silver, copper or gilding metal, making it suitable both for beginners wishing to explore techniques at a lower material cost and for experienced makers to test ideas before committing to precious metal.

The aim of this course is to give you the opportunity to make a simple tumbler or a simple box in a weekend. The manufacture of the tumbler or bowl will introduce forming metal by traditional methods of blocking, raising and planishing. The manufacture of the simple box will introduce forming metal using various hand tools, compound soldering and finishing.

By the end of the course, you should have achieved a quantum leap in the understanding of how hollowware vessels are made. By making a metal object and seeing how different techniques leave different marks on the object, you will gain insight into the manufacture of historic silverware.

All processes will be demonstrated by the tutor before commencing. Step-by-step processes will be shown. If the article is finished during the course there will be a demonstration on polishing.

Included

You will need to bring your own silver (there is a small range of silver wire, rod, tube, findings or a limited sizes of silver sheet available to purchase onsite, also a supply of copper, brass sheet or gilding metal to purchase onsite.)

Recommended bullion suppliers: Argex Ltd, Metalor Ltd, Exchange Findings Ltd, Bloomsteins. Cookson Precious Metals Ltd, Metalor Ltd

Note: Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels (e.g. £50). Ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order.

The tutor would like to discuss your project with you before the start of the course to advise on materials you may need to purchase. He will also then be made aware of any specific tools he may need to bring extra to those provided in the workshop. The tutor will contact you via email prior to the course to discuss your project and the materials you will need.

What students need to bring

Old clothes or an apron, sensible shoes to protect toes from falling hammers, a duster or some old rags and a pencil.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A range of art and craft materials.

Additional information

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

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.

Terms & Conditions