Course Description

Learn introductory methods for anti-clastic metal manipulation to create organic curves and fluid shapes in your work. Beginners and those with more experience can explore anti-clastic and synclastic hammer forming techniques. Additional techniques such as soldering, annealing and texturing will also be explored. During the course, you can choose to explore the techniques to create a series of samples or make a finished pendant, and the more experienced can continue to develop their skills according to their needs. The techniques can be taken further to create jewellery or sculptural forms at a later date.

Your design ideas are discussed on a one-to-one basis. Practical demonstrations and individual assistance enable your projects to progress successfully in a friendly and creative atmosphere. Techniques are taught through practical demonstrations with the emphasis on encouraging you to have a go. By the end of the course, you will 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 are welcome to bring your own project for advice and discussion.

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, 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

• On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including wet & dry paper, saw blades, copper for first experiments, silver for a small pendant.

What students need to bring

• 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.
• 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 care of the bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk before the start of the course.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• Silver in a variety of forms, sheet, wire and tubing. Please contact the shop in advance for current costs and availabilty.
• Pens, pencils and drawing materials
• Solder
• Saw blades
• Tools

Please contact the tutor before the start of the course to discuss projects and metal: bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk You may like to read some of these texts suggested by the tutor, these may also be available from the college library: 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