Ref: SLW35725
On this course, you will learn and hone different chasing and repoussé techniques such as lining, repoussé, matting, planishing, etc. You will make a plaque or brooch and at least one chasing/repoussé tool, and you will chase a copper bowl.
You will develop your designs for the plaque or brooch and the copper bowl, and turn your sketches into chasing designs. You will become confident using pitch, learn its qualities and uses and how to remove it from metal. You will gain the skills to set up your own pitch bowl and be able to continue using this technique at home.
On the first evening, there will be an introduction to chasing and repoussé with examples made by the tutor and images by other makers showing how versatile the technique can be. The tutor will give an overview of the course and the main techniques you will be using. There will be time for a quick chat about design ideas for both pieces, giving you time to think about your ideas before the following day.
After discussing your design ideas for a figurative plaque or brooch, you will transfer your pre-prepared design onto tracing paper, then onto copper and set into pitch bowls. The tutor will demonstrate techniques and you will begin by outlining your design, before starting to chase. Once the front side of the piece is lined, you will then work on the reverse with repoussé and doming punches to create volume. You will then work on the front of the piece, adding detail and manipulating shapes created to finish the plaque. You will learn to make own liner tool through grinding, filing, polishing and hardening/tempering the metal.
You will then start on your design for the copper bowl. The tutor will also give demonstrations on chasing in the round on copper/silver bowls. There will be the opportunity to make further tools; the tutor will demonstrate forging of repoussé tools and you will continue and finish the copper bowl and tool making.
(During the evenings, 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.)
By the end of the course, you will have completed a chased flat piece (10cm x 10cm), made 1-3 chasing/repoussé tools and chased a small copper bowl using various chasing and repoussé techniques.
Copper sheet 0.9mm thick 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 or purchase from the College Shop. Spun copper bowl Tooled steel blanks to make 3 chasing tools Pitch bowls and tools are provided to use on the course.
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 think about designs before the course, you will then have more time for making on the course. 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, it can be made more elaborate as you chase. Please bring photocopies or sketches. The tutor will provide tracing paper and help to adapt your ideas to chasing designs.
Scale of design: For flat piece approx. 10cm x 10 cm For bowl approx. 7cm high and 20cm circumference - you can adapt designs to different size and shapes of copper bowls on the course.
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.
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. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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
For the past 20 years Bryony Knox has worked in many scales and metals - specialising in Chasing and Repousse. She teaches master classes from her studio in Edinburgh as well as a visiting Lecturer. Bryony trained at Glasgow School of Art and past commissions include objects for J K Rowling & HRH Princess Anne.
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
