Description
Chasing & Repousse
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
No previous experience is required, but as this is a specialist metalworking skill, some prior experience with metalwork would be beneficial. That said, the most important thing is a willingness to experiment and explore. All tools and materials will be provided.
Join Katie Watson for an exciting two-day workshop where you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of chasing and repoussé — an ancient technique used to create beautiful surface decoration, texture, and sculptural detail. Think of the metal as your canvas, ready to be drawn on! These techniques can be applied to anything from small jewellery pieces to larger forms, offering endless creative possibilities.
Day One:
Through demonstrations and discussions, students will start with the basics of chasing. You’ll learn how to transfer your design onto a copper sheet, mount your work in pitch, and use a variety of punches to create lines, marks, and textures. From there, you can begin experimenting — building patterns, illustrations, or abstract designs. You will also have the option to explore repoussé, sculpting your piece from the reverse side to add depth and three-dimensional form.
Through demonstrations and discussions, students will start with the basics of chasing. You’ll learn how to transfer your design onto a copper sheet, mount your work in pitch, and use a variety of punches to create lines, marks, and textures. From there, you can begin experimenting — building patterns, illustrations, or abstract designs. You will also have the option to explore repoussé, sculpting your piece from the reverse side to add depth and three-dimensional form.
Day Two:
Continue refining your piece from day one, or start something new under expert guidance. This is your time to develop your skills, experiment with the tools, and bring your ideas to life.
Continue refining your piece from day one, or start something new under expert guidance. This is your time to develop your skills, experiment with the tools, and bring your ideas to life.
About Your Tutor: Katie graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in Jewellery and Silversmithing with a BA in 2018 and continued her creative journey in a post-graduate course at Bishopsland Educational Trust where she learnt new skills in the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside (2019-21). Currently Katie is residing in the Scottish Borders, working from the newly established Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
Katie has won several prestigious awards for her designs, including Gold and Bronze awards from the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council and The Silver Society Prize winner of 2023. Katie often exhibits her work at the world-renowned Goldsmiths’ Fair, London and has had a solo show at the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh.
What to bring:
- Please bring some line drawings/ideas with you as well as a notebook/pencil. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated; a simple design can work nicely, and you can always build upon the design. Please keep any designs roughly to 9 x 8 cm. You are welcome to email the design beforehand to see if it is achievable within the timeframe.
- We’ll provide everything you will need for your Chasing and Repousse Workshop, including a large sheet of copper.
- Please bring along glasses and/or a visor if you need them.
- Wear appropriate clothing for a studio environment, including closed-toe shoes. Why not order a CSSJ apron to make you feel right at home in your workshop?
- Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please bring your own lidded cup for use in the studio. While we do not have a dedicated lunch area, you are welcome to eat at your desk, and we can also recommend nearby places to eat if you prefer.
Course Info
Sat 17th October: 10 am – 4 pm
Sun 18th October: 11 am – 4 pm
Please factor in some buffer time after 4 pm on Sunday in case your project takes a little longer.
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Please note that classes may be cancelled if there are insufficient bookings. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be notified the day before the scheduled class and will receive a full refund.
