During this course you will learn how to craft a lady’s cuff using raising techniques plus authentic Japanese hammer chasing skills. You will be shown how to use the Japanese hammers provided for use on this course. Students will be shown how to put the shafts onto the hammer heads securely.

You will learn how to use pitch correctly and safely and the difference between hard, soft and medium pitch. You will go out in the gardens and surrounding areas to come up with a unique design (unless you decide to bring a sketchbook of ideas with you). Please be aware that there will be some waiting times for the pitch to settle and dry for use within the ladies cuff you will be making.

You will be supplied with a copper disc and a separate pitch bowl to chase to practice your techniques in the waiting time.

The first day will be spent raising up the cuff, making it into the form shape. You will make this in copper to practice the technique of raising into a lovely curve.

You can then make the silver cuff, if you choose, either on the course or back home in your own workshop (you will need to bring the silver if you want to make it during the course) where you will practice your techniques further in chasing, raising, soldering and applying the design.

Your tutor will guide you on techniques with one-to-one tuition and group demonstrations and discussion throughout.

Summer School highlights: The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘going green’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials required for the project including copper sheet 0.9mm thickness for the cuff, 7-inch copper disc, pitch and copper wire per student plus some hard silver solder to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• Silver 0.7mm thickness - dimensions 75mm x 265mm for making a cuff is available online from Argex or Cooksongold (your tutor uses Britannia silver)
• Any hammers you may have
• Sketchbook, pencil and a fine permanent marker pen

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.

Additional information

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.

Timetable for Summer Schools

Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.

Arrival Day

Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.

Terms & Conditions