Contemporary British Silversmiths

SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme (STP) is a national flexible training model that responds to industry demand for skills training whilst creating the next generation of tutors. Conceived by former Chair of Contemporary British Silversmiths Rauni Higson and developed with Tony Bedford in 2015, it formally launched in 2017 in partnership with the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

Harnessing the skills of master silversmiths such as Tony Bedford, Ray Walton, Michael McCrory, Brett Payne and Rod Kelly, to teach and play a key role developing course content and learning resources, our aim is to create a virtuous circle of skills transfer to protect and pass on skills for the future.

OUR OBJECTIVES ARE TO:

Maintain and expand the current silversmithing skill base, and develop it for the future to grow sustainable businesses.
Create a pool of skilled and experienced tutors who can be called upon to pass on what they have learned in an agreed and tested format

Focus on raising the skill level of graduate members as the future of the craft Address shortage of diversity of silversmithing skills.
Provide targeted relevant industry led continuous professional development for silversmiths throughout their careers.

Contemporary British Silversmiths

OUR COURSES

Courses are are currently available to full and graduate and student members of Contemporary British Silversmiths. If you are a practising silversmith or studying on a recognised course and are interested in becoming member and accessing these courses, please get in touch.

YEAR ONE: 2018

Course 1:
RAISING A SEAMED VESSEL
Tutor: Tony Bedford
Venue: Caernarfon, North Wales
Dates: 8-12 Jan 2018

Course 2:
ASYMMETRIC RAISING
Tutor: Tony Bedford
Venue: Caernarfon, North Wales
Dates: 15-19 Jan 2018

Course 3:
FLATWARE FORGING
Tutor: Brett Payne
Venue: Sheffield
Dates: 5-9 Feb 2018

Course 4:
PRECISION BOX MAKING
Tutor: Ray Walton
Venue: Birmingham
Dates: 9-13 Jul 2018

Course 5:
GRADUATE HAMMERWORK SKILLS
Tutors: Abigail Brown & Rauni Higson
Venue: The Goldsmiths' Centre
Dates: 6-10 August 2018

YEAR TWO: 2019

Course 1:
ASYMMETRIC RAISING
Tutors: Tony Bedford Rauni Higson
Venue: Caernarfon, North Wales
Date: 26-30 Nov 2018

Course 2:
TRAY SINKING
Tutor: Ray Walton
Venue: Caernarfon, North Wales
Dates: 9-13 Jul 2018

Course 3:
DEEP DRAWING
Tutors: Michael McCrory & Cara Murphy
Venue: Hillsborough, N.Ireland
Dates: 17-21 June 2019

Course 4:
GRADUATE BOX MAKING SKILLS
Tutors: Abigail Brown & Andrew Macgowan
Venue: The Goldsmiths' Centre
Dates: 15-19 July 2019

Course 5:
GRADUATE HAMMERWORK SKILLS
Tutors: Rebecca de Quin Charlotte & Tollyfield
Venue: The Goldsmiths' Centre
Dates: 12-16 August 2019

YEAR THREE 2020

PROGRAMME TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT

We welcome approaches for support from organisations and individuals who support our aims to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to run successful silversmithing businesses and preserve heritage crafts. Please contact us to find out more.