Ref: SLW36086
When you see the vivid colours of an Elizabeth Frink bronze head or the delicate lace texture of Hew Lockes Queen Victoria sculpture, do you wonder how those complex surfaces were created from raw billets of bronze? In this all-levels course, you will learn the step-by-step processes used to elevate rough castings into beautiful works of art with detailed surfaces, consistent textures and rich colours.
Beginning with a bronze casting demonstration, this course will cover the complete process from casting to a finished sculpture. Chasing and finishing techniques, including retexturing, fixing any imperfections and making your own custom texturing and chasing tools will be covered.
Patination is the colouring and treatment of the surface of metal using chemicals, heat and time. This mimics the natural reactions that occur when the copper in the bronze alloy comes into contact with the atmosphere over centuries. This results in the deep greens, browns, black and blues which bronze works are known for. Traditional and contemporary patination practices will be covered in detail, touching on atmospheric and burial patinas but with a focus on hot application patinas. You can expect to produce a finished, patinated bronze work by the end of the course.
Anyone who has previously completed the Sculpture Skills: Waxworking for Metal Casting course will have their wax work cast during the first evening demonstration. Anyone who has not attended this optional precursor course will be provided with an alternative casting to work with. Please message the tutor ahead of the class for details.
Overview: On the first evening there will be a welcome and an overview of the course including a bronze casting demonstration.
Day 1
In the morning, there will be a discussion of processes and health and safety considerations for the course. You will learn about divesting moulds, and there will be demonstrations of how to remove mould material. You will learn about removal systems and there will be demonstrations of best practices for using angle grinders, die grinders, as well as other tools.
In the afternoon, there will be a shot blasting demonstration, and also a demonstration on best practice for chasing and retexturing, including removing flashing, blending back any remaining sprues and making custom texturing stamps.
Day 2
In the morning there will be a patina demonstration, including an overview of the preparation of sculptures, chemical recipes, application techniques and use of heat and torches. Patina samples and practice pieces will be provided.
You will finish the metalwork for your pieces and shot blast works ready for patination. The aim is to have work fettled and ready for patination
In the afternoon, you will practise patination techniques and begin patinating your work.
Day 3
In the morning, there will be a waxing and polishing demonstration, including best practices for sealing and preserving colour and surface detail. In the afternoon, you will complete patination of your pieces, including waxing and buffing.
The aim will be for you to complete a bronze sculpture, including metalwork and patination to a professional standard.
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including prepared ceramic shell moulds and 3kg bronze per student, and some patination chemicals, wax to share amongst the group.
The College will supply some of the materials, including kiln dried sand, sandpaper, scotchbrite pads, methylated spirits, propane gas, deionised water and other consumables such as discs, carbide bits, drill bits, screws, etc.
You will need to wear clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. Please note that cotton or wool clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. Shorts do not provide necessary protection.
Your course will be held in the Sculpture Courtyard and the Forge. For your safety it is mandatory to wear steel toe capped safety boots when undertaking a course in the Forge. You must provide your own footwear and bring them with you to wear on the course. If you fail to bring suitable footwear, you will not be able to take part in the course. Safety boots can be purchased from most tool hire shops and builders merchants as well as online.
You must wear goggles (provided) and suitable protective clothing for this course. Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge or you can bring them along if you have them. If for example you have particularly large or small hands your own leather work gloves are likely to be a better fit.
Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials.
Please note: your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard and in the Forge which are both situated awau from the main house. You can access via a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or you can park nearby in the gardens car park.
The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch.
Safety equipment eye protection and face masks are supplied by the College and are essential. Full health and safety instructions will be given. Metal patination is a physical activity, and it is most effective when standing up but can be achieved sitting down. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes safety boots. 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
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.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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.
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
