Hand engraving and carving on metal with Angus McFadyen

Silversmithing

Ref: SLW29872

Location: West Dean
£469
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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.

Timetable

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)

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.

Tutors

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.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

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