SUMMER MASTERCLASSES 2024

IRELAND in August

This summer 2024 there will be three, one week-long workshops in the making of a double helix. The double helix is the basis of the ribbon torc and for those wo want to make a ribbon torc it is imperative that they master the double helix first. These workshops will run consecutively and student can choose one, two or three as required. For students who do not want to make a double helix there is a range of hollow formed items which can be made

Anticlastic Raising is a technique which was invented by Michael Good a friend of Brian’s, who is a goldsmith from Maine in the USA. It is a technique with which one can create, with relative ease, forms based on the Hyperbolic Parabola. These forms can, on a small scale, be used as pieces of jewellery or as elements in a piece of jewellery, whereas on a large scale the forms can be elements of vessels or sculptures. In the anticlastic process, the centre of a flat sheet is compressed and its edges stretched so that the surface develops two curves at right angles to each other, moving in opposite directions. Brian’s intrest has been in the double helix, its extension as the hyperbolic continuoum and its association with the ancient gold ribbon torc.

Participants in these workshops will learn all aspects of the particular technique. The projects will include an open seam earring, an open seam bangle, and a double helix. The exact number of projects completed during the workshop will depend on the working speed of each individual student.

Please note, we do not accept beginners for these workshops, however beginners are very welcome at our Saturday Classes.

The dates for the summer’s workshops are: in IRELAND

Silversmithing techniques -

1. Anticlastic Raising and the Double Helix, Mon12th - Fri 16th August 2024

2. Anticlastic Raising and the Double Helix, Mon 19th - Fri 23rd August 2024

3. Anticlastic Raising and the Double Helix, Mon 26th - Fri 30th August 2024

Workshops in Ireland run from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The cost is €750.00 per week. There will be a €20 materials fee

The masterclasses in Ireland take place in Brian’s fully equipped workshop, in the picturesque village of Ballinaclash, near Rathdrum in Co. Wicklow. code A67 VH00 . Students who do not live within driving distance are required to organise their own accommodation locally. We will transport students to and from their accommodation each day. We recommend the following B&B’s in Rathdrum, but please book early because beds are limited:

Jacob's Well B&B Stirabout Lane B&B

Please send your deposit of € 55.00 using PayPal to sworkshops264@gmail.com