Cotswold Chatterblog

Date: November 2, 2007

Master the art of Bronze Age metal working at an adult day session being held in Cirencester later this month.

Keen metal workers are invited to the Corinium Museum in Park Street on Saturday November 17th, where they can make a beautiful wrist torque from pure silver, using the same technology used in Bronze Age England.

Metal smiths in the Bronze Age (1000BC) developed a surprisingly high level of skill in bronze and gold working, using twisting and forging methods to make wrist and neck torques. At this workshop, participants will use these same methods to make their own wrought silver wrist torque, complete with twisted body and tapered ends.

Working with pure silver rod and artist Neil Burridge, they will explore forging with stone tools, experiment with different twisting techniques and experience common problems found with work-hardening or heat-treating certain metals.

Pure silver is rarely seen today, being much softer to work. As it does not tarnish and always returns to the soft, white colour of the moon, one can understand why some ancient peoples valued it as highly as gold.

The day school will run from 10am-4pm and tickets cost £45 per person, including materials and tea or coffee. Lunch is not included, and booking is essential.

For more details, to book a place, or to find out about other events, please call Helen Arbon on 01285 655611 or email museums@cotswold.gov.uk

Related articles:
‘Arty-ology’ event at Cirencester’s Corinium Museum
Master mosaic making at Moreton session

Tags: art | crafts | cirencester | museum

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