Ref: SLW33389
This course is a great introduction to making jewellery using the linking techniques of chain mail. For those already familiar with the technique, it's a chance to learn new designs.
You can choose to concentrate on practising and developing technical skills through sampling, or you could complete one or more pieces of jewellery.
The usual material is silver, but you may work in base or mixed metals if you wish.
You will study the subject from its first principles, which will include wire annealing and drawing, ring forming and cutting, link fabrication (casting is not included in this course), small piece soldering, simple clasp making, finishing and polishing.
The tutor will support you in producing your work at your own pace and level of ability.
The tutor will demonstrate techniques and show examples of her work; you will then refine your ideas, gather or locate tools and materials, and launch into your projects. Thereafter, all available time will be spent on achieving individual aims.
Teaching is by demonstration and individual support of technical processes and requirements.
It is always helpful if students arrive with particular projects in mind. The tutor will encourage and help you to formulate ideas on the first evening, depending on your ability. Your own tool kit, if you have one (a basic tool kit is also available to borrow from the College) Any metals that you already have and may wish to incorporate in your work Formulated ideas and an open mind Sketchbook, pencil and rubber Apron, hair tie if you have long hair, stout covered shoes
Available from shop: Silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths suitable for a wide range of projects. Some base metals (Please be aware of the cost of silver when planning your project. Materials bought prior to the course may work out cheaper, but only if you are quite sure of what you want to achieve, and your ability to achieve it.) A good variety of art materials, including sketchbooks, pencils and rubbers Additional materials will also be available for purchase from the tutor. Whatever cannot be bought can easily be made with specialist tools and supervision provided by the tutor.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear, ie no open toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Alison has an international reputation for her distinctive contemporary jewellery based on the ancient techniques of chainmail. Her work explores the contrast between the natural environment and the manmade and industrial world, to produce a unique style.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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
