One day silversmithing workshop with Julian Stephens

Silversmithing

Ref: S1D31366

Location: West Dean
£163
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About this course

Beginners will be encouraged to complete a set project of either a dish or spoon. This is a practical workshop, with help given on an individual basis to develop your skills in silversmithing.

Course Description

This is a practical, one-day workshop, with help given on an individual basis to develop your skills in

silversmithing, and with techniques demonstrated according to your needs.

Beginners will be encouraged to complete a set project of either raising a dish or making a spoon. Silver or copper can be used to make your item. You will be introduced to basic techniques, including raising, planishing, soldering and forging.

If you have some experience of silversmithing, you can progress to raised pieces, which include the making and fitting of handles, spouts and lids. What you can achieve on a one-day workshop will depend on your experience. If you wish to make larger or more complicated pieces, you may need to return to other one-day silversmithing workshop days to complete your project.

Timetable

Timetable for one day courses

Students should arrive by 9am for registration.

Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm

Lunch is included.

Course Materials

Included

  • The silver and copper used on this course are NOT included in the course fee. You will need to purchase silver or copper to complete your project. This can be purchased from the College Shop, or in advance from a supplier.

What students need to bring

  • You will need to purchase the silver or copper to complete your project. This can be purchased from the College Shop, or in advance from a supplier.
  • Any tools you may have. The College provides tools for you to use during the course.
  • A sketchbook with a range of possible ideas.
  • Enclosed toe covered footwear (essential) and a hair tie if your hair is long.
  • An apron.
  • If you have experience, you may wish to bring work in progress with which to continue.

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.
  • A dish will cost approx £110 in 1mm Britannia Silver sheet for a 110mm diameter disc and £7 in copper 0.9mm copper sheet for a 140mm diameter disc.
  • Silver (if you require more than 40 square cm you should obtain it from a bullion supplier – please see Additional Information section.)
  • Pencils and drawing materials

Additional information

Please contact the tutor via the bookings office to discuss which project you would like to make: a spoon or a bowl. Please email: [email protected] Please note: If you require more than 40 square cm of silver, you should obtain it from a bullion supplier. Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels, e.g. £25 – please ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order. Recommended bullion suppliers: Argex Ltd, Metalor Ltd, Exchange Findings Ltd, Michael Bloomstein Precious Metals. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Please tie hair back, if long.

Tutors

Julian Stephens

Julian Stephens has been a practicing silversmith and jeweller for the past 25 years. He has taught at Pruden and Smith in Ditchling and then at his own workshop in Brighton where he has run his own successful goldsmithing business since 2003. He is a member of the British Jewellers Association.
 

Courses of interest

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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