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Detailed Description

This year long short course will equip you with the understanding and background knowledge of silversmithing. Instruction will be given in the safe use of specialist tools, such as, files, saws, hammers, mallets and soldering equipment, as well as guidance in specific techniques, including, blocking, raising, planishing, forming, assembly and soldering. 

Demonstrations will allow students to understand and practice skills to gain confidence in the making process. This can provide a development of creative skills to both beginners and improvers. For training purposes while learning new skills, students would generally work with base metals, such as copper and gilding metal. Once basic techniques have been mastered students are allowed to develop their own projects. 

If students have any of their own hand tools, they are encouraged to bring them along to their sessions. The tutor will be happy to advise if suitable or if any purchases wish to be made. 

Sessions take place in a workshop environment and health and safety require that safety shoes must be worn at all times by everyone. Students are required to bring their own with them for each session.

Duration: 33 weeks across three semesters.

Dates: Wednesday 22nd October 2025 – Wednesday 1st July 2026 excluding Christmas and Easter breaks

Semester 1: 22nd October – 17th December 2025

Semester 2: 7th January 2026 - 25th March

Semester 3: 15th April - 1st July 2026


Times: Weekly Afternoon Session 1330hrs – 1630hrs every Wednesday for three semesters.

Tutor Description: Samantha Chilton is a silversmith who has had long associations with BCU School of Jewellery.  With over 40 years of experience Samantha will guide you through the techniques required to develop core silversmithing skills. Samantha is a talented silversmith and and three-dimensional designer, a jeweller specialising in surface decoration and anodised aluminium, and within her repertoire