Student Story: Iona Farrell, Introduction to Silversmithing
- Written byLoana Rondot
- Published date 23 October 2024
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Silversmithing is a centuries-old craft that blends artistry and technical skill to create stunning works of silver, ranging from elegant jewellery to intricate household items. This craft requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of materials and techniques.
For those intrigued by this timeless art form, our Introduction to Silversmithing Short Course is the perfect pathway into this craft. Under the expert guidance of tutor Linda Robertson, a practising silversmith and jeweller, students learn how to work with silver and create their own unique piece.
Iona Farrell, Assistant Curator at the V&A Museum, took the Introduction to Silversmithing Short Course. Although she had read about silversmithing, Iona lacked practical experience before joining. We asked her a few questions about her time on the course and the skills she gained. Here’s what she had to say.
What brought you to the Introduction to Silversmithing Short Course?
I chose to do this course to help my work. I work in museums with a metalwork collection, so I took this course to improve my knowledge of the practical aspects of making, all those steps of how you get to the finished piece.
What was your experience like?
Day one was getting to know the core skills like soldiering, piercing, and filing. We started off with a flat strip of metal that we bent into a D-shape to form the shape of the box, and we sold it onto a flat piece of metal. If something is slightly off, you need to file it down and try again. But it's very rewarding when it works, so I'm quite proud of myself.
What’s your takeaway?
I got an even greater appreciation of the objects I work with in my job: the amount of patience that’s required, the level of skill and how each step affects the next. Now that I've done this course, I think I'm going to go back to my work with a really good understanding of silversmithing techniques. And I will apply that to my work.
How will that shape your practice?
I do a lot of cataloguing of records as well as writing gallery labels and helping with handling sessions. I now have a better grasp of knowledge when talking about those objects or when I'm cataloguing stuff. It's given me a really useful knowledge of the techniques and the words used.
What’s your advice to future students?
Go in with enthusiasm, be willing to learn and take everything in. Linda is an amazing tutor and has such a breadth of knowledge. So make the most out of your tutors. Ask them questions.
I've also been taking lots of photos and writing the steps in my notebook so I can go back and refresh my mind on what I've covered. It's good to document your journey, then you can remember it when you're looking back over it.
About
Iona Farrell is based in London and works as Assistant Curator in Metalwork at the V&A. She holds a Bachelor in Fashion and Dress History from University of Brighton and a Master in Museum Studies from University of Leicester. One of her latest projects include a series of educative gallery labels about Silversmithing techniques for the Metalwork collection at V&A.
Feeling inspired?
Take a look at our upcoming Jewellery short courses. For younger learners, we also offer a Fashion Jewellery for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course.
