Silversmithing | Designing & Making Silverware – Autumn Term

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is suitable for new learners and those with experience. Beginners will learn basic skills in piercing, forming, soldering and finishing via a tealight and ‘bezel box project’;.

Those with experience will focus on creating more complex sculptural and individualised pieces, incorporating techniques such as press-work, forging, mitering and scoring. While silverware is commonly perceived as ‘shiny and polished’; there will be an emphasis on considering surface finish, embellishment and decoration. You will also gather awareness of makers in the field and sources for materials to further your personal learning.

Copper for the initial box project is provided by the college, but if you wish to work in silver then you will need to purchase your own materials.

This course runs on a Monday evening 1830-2100.

Tutor: Sarah Silve began working in the jewellery industry in 1990 and was a model making assistant for a costume jewellery manufacturer. She graduated from Buckinghamshire College in 1995 with a BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (silver/metal) and worked at the bench for an independent retailer. With an interest in emerging technologies she joined The Laser Group at The University of Liverpool undertaking a PhD in Laser Forming and Creative Metalwork. Sarah spent some years as a researcher and a lecturer in Product Design at Brunel University. She decided to return to practice in 2013 and attended the Bishopsland postgraduate silversmithing programme.