Silversmithing

About the Tutor: Owen Madhlope-Phillips

Owen Madhlope Phillips is a silversmith with many years of industry and educational experience. He has worked for such prestigious companies as Aspreys, Tiffany, Garrard and Mappin & Webb, and has been a member of the Kent Adult Education teaching team for over 20 years.

View all courses taught by Owen Madhlope-Phillips here

Craft courses provide an opportunity for students to learn and develop skills, techniques and understand how to design for a chosen craft to a higher level. Students will also be expected to research and respond to the design aspects of craft. Tutors will use a variety of teaching methods including demonstration, instructions, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.Students will be encouraged to look at the work of other craftspeople and artists, both contemporary and historical and keep a sketchbook/ notebook to record goals/ ideas, processes and progress. It is important to note that craft courses are practical, requiring a degree of manual dexterity. Students will need to participate fully to get the most out of the course. Our courses are taught by qualified and experienced tutors most of whom are practising craftspeople.

Please bring a small box to keep work in and a cloth for drying work. It is recommended that new students do not purchase any equipment until advised by the tutor. Charges will be made for silver (a pill box costs about £40 - £50), solder, piercing saw blades and face masks. All items can be purchased from the tutor at the start of the course. Silver items can also be sent for hall marking to be paid for on return. Students should try to wear dark clothing or an apron as the polishing can get clothing dirty. Long hair should be tied back when soldering or polishing. No open toe shoes to be worn in the workshop.

Courses are designed to progress students to higher levels of the craft and also to support application to Access to Art and Degree Foundation courses or relevant Craft, Art and Design Degree courses.

Everyone is welcome. No previous knowledge or experience required., It is important to note that craft courses are practical and require a degree of manual dexterity.