Metalwork

Graduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

Postgraduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

Professional Development Diploma
West Dean College Award
1 academic year

MA Conservation Studies
University of Sussex Award
1 calendar year

ENQUIRIES:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Applying for these programmes?

Link to more information on our application process

Link to downloadable application and referees forms

Link to request or download a West Dean College prospectus

Jon Privett, Programme Tutor: Jon is a metals conservator and studied for West Dean College's Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation and Restoration of Fine Metalwork, funded by the worshipful companies of the Goldsmiths and Pewterers and the Sidney Sanders Charitable Trust. After graduating, Jon established a metal conservation and restoration workshop in Hampshire to carry out freelance contract conservation work for private clients and the trade. More recently working for Rupert Harris Conservation, Plowden & Smith Ltd and the V&A before joining West Dean College in 2006.

Dana Goodburn-Brown, Assistant Tutor: Dana is an accredited archaeological conservator, graduated from University of London in 1984. She has also recently completed the MSc Diploma in Sustainable Heritage at University College, London. She has worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and at the Museum of London. Since 1997 she has worked free-lance and also founded Amtec Co-op Limited, a cooperative for the investigation, replication, conservation and public understanding of ancient artefacts and technologies. She has worked on both national and international archaeological projects, as well as, television and other public engagement projects.

The programme is delivered in the purpose-built metalwork conservation workshop where you will have your own bench with storage space for your tools and equipment. There are also dedicated specialist areas for soldering and welding, a tool room, a laboratory with analytical and microscopy equipment and a machine shop with a selection of power tools. The programme also makes use of the on-site silversmithing and blacksmithing workshops.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

The graduate diploma offers an in-depth introduction to the profession of Metalwork Conservation through practical exercises based on objects and test pieces you make using traditional metalworking techniques. Students will become familiar with the language, ethics and current issues of contemporary museum and commercial conservation practice. The syllabus covers practical making of metal ‘artefacts’ in the traditional manner, handling, mechanical and chemical cleaning, consolidation, preventative conservation, conservation documentation and photography. Students attend both a theoretical materials science lecture series and a material culture lecture series, and study style, technology and object typology development portfolios from 1400-1940.

Visits to museums, collections and private conservation companies allows students to gain a well-informed insight to the profession and how the industry works.

Foundations for Learning
An introduction to studying at West Dean through practical exercises on objects and artefacts.

Conservation Theory and Practice
Metal artefacts, history, conservation theory and practice. Examination techniques, cleaning and conservation reports. Materials science programme. Specialist lectures, visits to collections and student seminars.

Study block I
Basic treatment techniques for ferrous metals and case studies.

Study block II
Arms, armour and copper alloys.

Study block III
Patinated copper alloys, ormolus and spelter.

Study block IV
Precious metal and plating.

Graduate and Postgraduate Diploma students study the same metals and alloys simultaneously which allows for a lively studio atmosphere, exchange of information and techniques.

The postgraduate diploma builds upon the graduate diploma and also allows you to conserve objects of value. Professional working practices are also encouraged by the production of estimates, timesheets and conservation reports for objects.

Research and Study Skills
Library search and data collection. Report and essay writing.

Study block I
Ferrous metals and pewter.

Study block II
Arms and armour. Copper alloys.

Study block III
Patinated copper alloys. Ormolu & spelter.

Study block IV
Precious metals and plated materials.

Understanding metals and treatments through science. Visits to collections and workshops.

Professional Practice
Case studies, optional work placements and working study tours.

Conservation Research Projects
A series of written assignments on aspects of materials and conservation.

Graduate and Postgraduate Diploma students study the same metals and alloys simultaneously which allows for a lively studio atmosphere, exchange of information and techniques.

If you have considerable experience in a relevant industry or profession, or have successfully completed an appropriate qualification, you can undertake a one year professional development diploma based upon a specific project or research idea. You’ll be able to utilise all the facilities, expertise and lectures from all diploma courses that West Dean College has to offer.

All Postgraduate Diplomas at West Dean can transferred into the MA Degree programmes, thereby extending the duration of study from one academic year to a full calendar year.

Mid way through the academic year (February), students on postgraduate programmes commence MA units in addition to the remainder of their Postgraduate Diploma programmes. On successful completion of the full academic year (July), students will have finished their Postgraduate Diploma while at the same time completing a modest amount of MA introductory study.

In July, students then commence their major projects for the MA degree which involve a further 10-week period of full-time study with a final assessment towards the end of September.

PROGRAMME ADVISERS

Hazel Newey: Head of Conservation, Science Museum.
Richard Rogers: Richard Rogers Conservation.
Charles Truman: Specialist in precious metalwork.

VISITING LECTURERS include:
Bob Child: Head of Conservation, National Museum of Wales
Lawrence Birnie: Head of Metalwork Conservation, National Maritime Museum.
Kevin Smith: MD, Plowden & Smith Ltd.
Anthony North: Former Curator, Metalwork, V&A Museum.

ENQUIRIES
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Student Profile

Idowu Sholanke, Postgraduate Diploma Conservation-Restoration of Fine Metalwork, 2007 -2008

My interest in the legacy of the past started when I was training as an archaeologist. During these times, I developed responsibilities for the things I excavated. The conservation of these artefacts then became my priority, particularly inorganic materials such as metals. West Dean College offered me the opportunity to specialise in metal conservation, which I have always wanted. The programme teaches the conservation and restoration of all kinds of metal of historical importance. This has broadened my knowledge and consolidated my interest in metal. I have been accepted to continue with the West Dean Professional Development Diploma, which will help to build my hand skills and improve on my judgements on current conservation ethics. Above all, West Dean College has an amazing environment that makes you feel at home away from home.

Laura Maria Jimenez, Postgraduate Diploma leading to the MA Conservation Studies, 2008-2009

In Bogotá I studied jewellery making, part of the course was in metal conservation, and I realised that I wanted to specialise in the conservation of metals. West Dean’s postgraduate programme has fulfilled my expectations. I have gained confidence from working on real objects and building on the knowledge required for making decisions as a conservator. It has also given me the opportunity to visit conservation workshops of major museums and private conservation companies, and my work placement was at the prestigious Tate Museum. This knowledge will be extremely useful when I go back to Colombia, where I hope to gain more experience working for other institutions before opening my own workshop. I will always remember my year at West Dean as an amazing opportunity in both the personal and professional sense.