College Courses Wolds Silver

[College Information - Alston Hall - The Hill ] [Costs]

Silversmithing Courses - Silversmithing weekends and summer school courses are structured so as to concentrate on the production of individual practical items. Participants attending these courses usually produce at least one small silver item per person. The practical sessions are inter-spaced with discussions directly related to the individual projects in progress. These courses will cover basic theory concerning tools, processes, techniques, design and materials. In all probability, most guests will be participating in silversmithing for the very first time and may be somewhat overawed initially. Silver is a wonderful metal to work with and you will be surprised at what you can achieve even in a short time. You do what you can and, if you desire, you can leave all the difficult bits (usually soldering!) for me to sort out. I want you to return home with at least one finished article. Those guests with some experience will be able to get on with whatever they have already started or begin work on new projects. These silver courses are to be enjoyed. There will be much noise, the odd curse or two, hopefully some great humour and at the end of the weekend or summer school a row of masterpieces to gloat over. It is often the case that people are somewhat apprehensive about what can be produced in two working days. The answer is a great deal more than you would think. My method of teaching achieves quick professional results while at the same time maintaining high standards of workmanship. I always ensure that what you start at the beginning of a course will be completed in the time allocated. However, long term projects can be carried over to the following course. A fully-equipped workshop will be set up at the various colleges allowing a wide variety of work to be undertaken. Should you have any favourite tools that you like to use then do bring them along. For further details, including the purchasing of silver for projects, please contact the tutor. There is an additional fee of £10 to cover consumables. Information concerning accommodation and meals can be obtained by contacting the individual colleges (see below) Vincent may also concoct one of his fun quizzes covering the names of things and other nasties he can think up just to keep you all happy and contented. This is a great opportunity to have a go at working the finest of all art metals. Beginners, through to those with 30 years of experience, are welcome. However, 30-years-plus-a-day-experienced-folk require special permission to join - they could know more than I do! top of page College Information - facilities - venues - durations - costs Vincent Ashworth runs silversmithing and, from time-to-time, goldsmithing courses at the following ARCA colleges in England and Wales. All the courses are run on the same lines, the emphasis being on individual tuition and producing items of use. ALSTON HALL  Normally, these are extended weekend courses. We start on the Friday evening and you can leave either on the Sunday after lunch or work until Monday afternoon. The cost per course offered - check prices and course details with the college - includes excellent accommodation which is mostly en suite, very good food and very good workshop facilities. Alston Hall College is set in landscaped gardens some two kilometres outside Longridge near Preston. The college will collect you from Preston Station should you arrive by train. I have run silversmithing, and goldsmithing courses at Alston Hall for several years. This is a weekend designed for producing silver items. There will be some theory; generally related to what guests are making. Alston Hall, Alston Lane, Longridge, Preston, Lancs. PR3 3BP Tel. 01772 784661 Fax 01772 785835 Email:info@alstonhall.u-net.com Website:http://www.alston.u-net.com  [Maps - Local 25kb] top of page THE HILL  Usually, these are extended weekend courses. We start on the Thursday evening, but you can also join on the Friday evening. We finish on the Sunday after lunch. This is a weekend designed for producing silver items. There will be some theory; generally related to what guests are making. The cost per course offered - check prices and course details with the college - includes residential accommodation which is about to be updated. There is a limited amount of en suite accommodation which requires early booking. The food - included in the cost - is excellent and there are very good workshop facilities. The Hill Residential College is set in landscaped gardens outside Abergavenny, Gwent. If you arrive by train there are taxis at Abergavenny station. I have run silversmithing, and goldsmithing courses at The Hill for several years. It was the first ARCA college at which I ran courses. The Hill, Pen-y-Pound, Aberganevvny, Gwent NP7 7RP. Tel. 01495 333777 Fax 01495 333778 Email:hill@gwent-tertiary.ac.uk (see maps - UK [78kb] -Local [49kb]) The staff at these colleges are extremely accommodating and will make you most welcome. There are bar facilities at each of the colleges. If are attending a course you must let me know what you would like to make in advance. I need this information in order to have the necessary silver available for you. I do not keep any precious metals at Wolds Silver, but order it directly from the manufacturer when needed.

[College Information - Alston Hall - The Hill] [Costs] [Top of page]

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