Raise Your Own Copper Bowl, 2 day course

Learn the specialist silversmithing skill of hand raising, with contemporary silversmith Charlotte Tollyfield, and create a beautiful copper bowl using traditional hammer techniques. A great introduction to metalwork for beginners and perfect practice for those wanting to increase their skill.

During this two-day course you will start with a flat disc of copper and learn how to transform it into a three dimensional, hemispherical bowl through the stages of annealing, blocking, raising and plannishing. The final touch will be to add a touch of polish to bring out the sparkle, before sitting back to admire your handiwork with a well-earned brew.

From meeting you at the entrance to Persistence Works studios, where her practice is based, in the heart of Sheffield, Charlotte will guide you through the whole experience, providing practical demonstrations at the start of each stage, advice on technique and method, and answering any questions. She will also keep you topped up with tea, coffee and light refreshments to help sustain the creative juices.

The first day will be all about getting to grips with using the blow torch, and mastering the blocking and raising stages to take your disc of copper from flat to bowl. Day two focuses on the plannishing technique to achieve a smooth finish to the surface of the metal and even out the final shape.

Transforming metal in this way is a cyclical process, and you will repeat each stage multiple times, and each day will be broken up with a morning and afternoon tea break (if desired) and a 30-40 minute lunch break.

Additional Info

All materials are included in the course price and all tools will be provided by Charlotte in the workshop. Tea and coffee with fruit, and biscuits will be freely available, but participants must provide their own packed lunch. There are sandwich shops, cafés and supermarkets locally within 2-10 minutes’ walk if preferred.

Charlotte is able to provide aprons, ear defenders, and gloves, but if you have your own that you feel more comfortable wearing you can bring them with you. You may also wish to bring any wrist or elbow support if you feel you may need it. Flat shoes with a covered toe are essential as is comfortable clothing.

For safety reasons this workshop is for 18+ only.

Location

The course will take place at Yorkshire ArtSpace’s Persistence Works studio complex in the heart of Sheffield city centre. The building is a 10-15 minute walk from both the Sheffield central Train Station and Bus Station, and a 10-20 minute walk from all city centre Supertram stops.

Whilst Persistence Works does not have its own parking facilities, there is some street parking directly outside and on nearby roads, as well as several car parks within 3-15 minutes’ walk.

About Charlotte

Charlotte Tollyfield is a professional silversmith with over 15 years’ experience, designing and making her own contemporary silverware and copper pieces that she exhibits throughout the UK. She also takes on both private and corporate commission work. This has included the 2018 St. Leger Stakes trophy, and the Barber Emeritus ceremonial goblets for the Worshipful Company of Barbers in London. Charlotte began offering silversmithing courses in 2017 from her own workshop within Yorkshire Artspace’s Persistence Works, focusing on the key skills of this ancient and noble trade, including hand raising, forging and saw piercing.