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Before the invention of silicon rubber in the 19th century, artists and founders relied upon materials such as plaster, wood, stone and even gelatine to create copies of sculptures and other three-dimensional forms. The invention of silicon rubber revolutionised the casting process, making it possible to produce highly accurate copies using this durable, detailed tool.
During this course, you will learn the processes involved in making a silicon rubber mould with rigid jacket. This will include establishing parting lines, registration, dealing with undercuts and other technical considerations. While this is an introductory course, some hand skills and attention to detail are helpful.
Your tutor will aim to answer all your questions about types of moulds, methods, material considerations, types of rubber, shore hardness, release agents and curing times. The course will also cover how to use your mould to create wax copies of your original piece, the best ways to prolong the life of your mould and how to store it so it can be used for years to come.
By the end of the course, you will have completed a rubber mother mould with rigid jacket to a professional standard and learnt to use the mould to produce a wax copy of your piece.
Due to the time constraints of the course, please contact the tutor by emailing [email protected] to discuss your ideas for your piece ahead of time.
This workshop feeds into the Sculpture skills: Wax working for metal casting workshop at West Dean, Sussex.
On this course the College will supply all materials, including silicon rubber, wax and Jesmonite.
Stout boots and clothes you do not mind getting dirty. A pair of overalls or apron is also advised if not.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Stephen Coles studied at Carmarthen School of the Arts, before completing a master’s degree in sculpture at Alfred University, New York. After teaching there, he returned to the UK to begin his own foundry practice. In addition to teaching at institutions throughout the UK and Europe, Stephen works with artists, museums and conservationists creating bespoke works in metal.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
