For this course, you will be taken through the principles of hammer forging to manipulate metal and how each technique can be applied, whether for jewellery or silversmithing applications.

Exploring the metal’s natural malleable properties, you will experiment and discover ways to push metal to the shapes required. Initially using copper wire and rod, these techniques can be practised until an understanding of the process is achieved. These techniques will be used in a final wrist torque/ bracelet piece in sterling silver.

The main aims will be to gain an understanding of metal’s malleable and plasticine nature, learning to hammer forge to a desired shape and silhouette, and also reading when the metal becomes work hardened, and how to release those stresses in the metal through the annealing process, so it can be continually worked.

Included

On this course, the College will supply 1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm round copper wire, 6mm sterling silver round wire and emery paper.

What students need to bring

• Sketchbook and/or technical notebook
• Pens, pencils and drawing materials
• Practical clothing/apron/footwear for use in the workshop at all time, e.g. no long loose sleeves or dangly jewellery, and long hair must be tied back to avoid it catching in machinery or gas flames; sensible sturdy shoes with no open toes.

Available to buy

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. Ths shop also stocks a good variety of art and craft materials, including sketchbooks, paper, pencils, etc.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Tutor supervision required at all times.

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

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