Be a silversmith for a day! Take a beginners day in silversmithing at my workshop in Derbyshire.

How does a silversmith work? How do you bend, shape and form the metal? What does silver look like before it is polished? What tools does a silversmith use?

Barry's workshop

All of these questions, and more, will be answered on a taster day in silversmithing at my workshop in Derbyshire. There are several farmhouse B&Bs within walking distance, offering excellent accommodation, so you can have a very pleasant stay in this lovely part of Derbyshire and learn some new skills too!

Hammering a spoon handleYou will enjoy a friendly, safe and enjoyable day, use the real tools and work with real silver, and take home something made in silver, made by you. My first career was as a technology teacher, so I am used to passing on my craft skills. Even raw beginners are welcome. I guarantee you will be able to take home a piece of silver which you can use every day.

You will make a silver spoon, forging the handle from solid silver, beating out the shape of the bowl, fitting and then soldering the two together and cleaning up and polishing the spoon to a high finish.

I also provide information on tools, materials, suppliers, safety information, soldering, assay offices and hallmarking and so on. While you work you will be able to pick my brain on anything to do with silversmithing tools, techniques and methods. During your day I will give you a demonstration of metal spinning, a machine process used to form many complex shapes in precious metal.

Interested?

If you would like to book a place now, please email me. The courses are for adults only, aged 18+.

Students and their work

© Copyright Barry Thomas, 2010