Course Description

On this course you will learn and hone the different chasing and repousse techniques such as lining, repousse, matting, planishing etc. You will develop and work out the best designs for both projects and turn sketches into chasing designs.

You will feel confident using pitch, learn its qualities and uses and how to remove it from metal. By the end of the course you will have completed a chased flat piece (10 x 10 cm), made 1-3 chasing/repousse tools and chased a small copper bowl using various chasing and repousse techniques.

You will have the skills to feel confident to set up your own pitch bowl and continue using this technique at home.

First evening: Introduction to Chasing & Repousse, showing examples made by the tutor and images by other makers, and how versatile the technique can be. The tutor to give overview of the main techniques and a quick overview of the course. A quick chat about design ideas for both pieces so that you can think about it before the following day.

Day 1: Talk though design ideas for a figurative plaque or brooch. You will start putting your pre prepared design onto tracing paper, before transferring the design onto copper and set into pitch bowls. The tutor will do a demonstration and you will start to chase/ outlining your design, before starting to chase your designs. Once the front side of piece is lined, then you will work on the reverse with repousse and doming punches to create volume.

Day 2: You will spend the day honing skills learnt earlier. Working on the front side of the piece – adding detail and manipulating shapes created and finish the plaque.

Next you will learn and make own Liner tool through grinding, filing, polishing and harden/ temper the metal. When the liner tool is made you will start on your design for copper bowl. The tutor will also give demonstrations on chasing in the round on copper/ silver bowls.

Day 3: During the day there will be chances to make further tools and the tutor will demonstrate forging of repousse tools and you will continue and finish the copper bowl and tool making.

In the evening you can continue chasing in the workshop without the tutor but no machines can be used i.e. Grinders or hot air guns whilst tutor is not there.

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

• 0.9mm Copper sheet is provided in the cost of the course, but if you are interested in chasing in silver then please bring 0.9mm thick silver sheet with you or purchase from the College Craft shop.
• Tooled steel blanks to make 3 chasing tools.
• Pitch bowls and tools are provided to use on the course.

What students need to bring

• No need to bring any tools or materials.
• If you already have chasing tools then bring them to use if you wish.
• An apron
• Something to tie your hair back with, if it is long
• Enclosed toe footwear (essential)
• Designs: if you get the chance to think about designs before the course, then this gives you more time to play on the day! The tutor tends to work with figurative imagery, such as animals, birds and plants, but abstract pattern and shape also work well. Start by looking for a simple line drawing of your idea, and then it can be made more elaborate as you chase. Please bring photocopies or sketches. The tutor will provide tracing paper and help to adapt them to chasing designs.
• Scale of design:
• For flat piece – approx. 10 x 10 cm.
• For bowl – approx. 7 cm high and 20 cm circumference- you can adapt designs to different size and shapes of copper bowls on the course.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• 0.9mm silver sheet.
• Available from tutor:
• Spun copper bowl/ cup/tumbler £9-15 each depending on size

Please note: Recommended bullion suppliers: Argex Ltd, Metalor Ltd, Exchange Findings Ltd, Bloomsteins. Cookson Precious Metals Ltd. Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels (e.g. £25). Ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order.