Learn methods for free-form metal manipulation, predominantly using hammering techniques. Beginners and those with more experience can explore metal forming through basic techniques, including forming, soldering, annealing and texturing. Also, more complex procedures can be explored, such as fold forming, raising, anticlastic raising, planishing and press forming. If you are more experienced, you can continue to develop your skills according to your needs. The techniques can be utilised to create jewellery, vessels or sculptural forms.

Your design ideas are discussed on a one-to-one basis. Demonstrations and individual practical assistance enable your projects to progress successfully. The level of experience and complexity of ideas affects what you can achieve in the time. However, by the end of the course, you should have effectively realised a design idea into a three-dimensional form in metal or begun a project for continuation at home. The course approach is strongly ideas-led, and you are encouraged to make simple drawings of your ideas to communicate what you wish to make.

You can explore your ideas and a range of silversmithing techniques on this course. The techniques covered by you will depend on the nature of your project. You will receive instruction and support in a friendly and creative atmosphere. The techniques are taught through practical demonstrations, with the emphasis on encouraging you to have a go and to develop your own ideas. If you prefer more direction or a more challenging technical project, you can also request a set assignment. You are welcome to bring your own project for advice and discussion.

Please contact the tutor before the start of the course to discuss projects and metal by emailing: [email protected]

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Included

• On this course, the college will supply some of the materials, including wet and dry paper, saw blades and copper for first experiments.

What students need to bring

• You will need to purchase silver or copper to complete your project. This can be purchased in advance from a supplier, alternatively the College Shop stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings in set sizes and lengths.
• Apron
• Sketchbook and/or technical notebook
• Camera
• Inspirational books, images and source materials
• Texturing materials for roll printing - lace, feathers, dry leaves, fabric (optional)
• Sensible footwear – no trainers, sandals, ballet pumps
• Protective eyewear (provided by the college, but bring if you prefer to use your own)
• If you have any tools of your own, please bring them with you (and ensure they are marked with your name).
• You may wish to bring 1mm sheet silver, depending on your design idea.
• If you have an idea for a project and require advice about materials, please contact the tutor by emailing: [email protected] before the start of the course.

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
• Solder
• Saw blades
• Tools
• Available from tutor:
• There may be a small number of cabochon stones available to buy for inclusion in your project.

Additional information

You may like to read some of these texts suggested by the tutor: Technical: ‘The Complete Metalsmith: Illustrated Handbook’ Tim McCreight ‘The Jeweller's Directory of Decorative Finishes’ Jinks McGrath ‘The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques’ Anastasia Young ‘Silversmithing’ Rupert Finegold & William Seitz ‘The Thames & Hudson Manual of Silversmithing’ Frances Loyen ‘Form Emphasis for Metalsmiths’ Heikki Seppa ‘Metalsmithing for the Artist Craftsman’ Richard Thomas ‘Boxes & Lockets: Metalsmithing Techniques’ Tim McCreight Design ideas: ‘The Art of Jewellery Design: From Idea to Reality’ Elizabeth Olver ‘New Directions in Jewellery’ Jivan Astfalck ‘1000 Rings: Inspiring Adornments for the Hand’ Marthe le Van ‘500 Brooches: Inspiring Adornments for the Body’ Marthe le Van ‘500 Silver Jewellery Designs’ Talya Baharal USEFUL WEB ADDRESSES www.craftscouncil.org.uk – Information & opportunities within British craft www.directory.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/ – The Goldsmiths’ Company selected jewellers & silversmiths list www.ganoskin.com – American jewellery website including techniques Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.