Press Forming with Angela Cork
We’re sorry this course is sold out. To register your interest for a future course, please email c.murdoch@bishopsland.org.uk
Aim of the course
Under the expert tuition of Angela Cork, this 3-day masterclass will introduce you to the basics of hydraulic and fly press forming. You will gain an understanding of how to form metal using an open die and learn how to make your own simple and affordable tools. The course includes a series of demonstrations and one-to-one instruction to support your
learning.
During the course, participants will
- Experiment with the process
- Undertake a project of their own design
- Gain an understanding of non-conforming and conforming die pressing techniques
- Learn how Hydraulic and Fly presses produce different results
- Acquire skills in making their own inexpensive tools and the materials required for creating press-formed objects
- Cover additional techniques such as soldering and hand construction, and use of the main hearth
FAQs
Why Bishopsland?
We offer the time and space to develop your skills alongside a community of other makers in similar situations to yourself. Swap stories of life as a designer-maker, share ideas, challenges and solutions. We allow plenty of time for communal discussions and relaxation so, although you will be joining us to learn, we aim to also provide a fun and enjoyable community atmosphere.
Our inherent understanding of silversmithing and the expert nature of the tutors leading each workshop mean that the course will directly feed into your practice. Tutors will taylor their teaching and provide detailed 121 feedback to as to maximise the return on your time and financial investment.
Who is this course designed for?
You will be an intermediate maker with prior experience of creating jewellery and objects in a workshop setting. We will induct you in our workshop practices and the tools/machines that you will use during the course, but a good understanding of tasks such as basic workshop tasks; filing, soldering, and finishing will be necessary.
How is the course tailored to my needs?
This three-day course is designed to empower silversmiths to take control of your materials, enhance your practices, and work more sustainably. A key takeaway will be that you will have gained confidence in using fly presses to form shapes and adapting those to your practice.
We will ask you in advance what your key objectives are for the course, and how press-forming fits into your practice, so that over the 3- day course we can ensure your learning is customised to deliver the most impact on your professional practice.
Course outline
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Day 1: Monday 18 August 2026
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Introduction and overview of the course View examples of press-formed objects and tools, with a discussion on the potential of this technique and how it is traditionally used in jewellery and silversmithing practices and industry – tutor will show actual examples and will share a powerpoint presentation. Morning demonstrations of hydraulic forming and fly press forming, with participants using pre-made tools and copper and aluminium to test and experiment with the process. Group discussion on proposed designs for participants’ own tools (maximum tool size: 100 mm x 100 mm). Demonstration of how to make simple tools and relevant inductions. Participants begin making their own tools.
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Day 2: Tuesday 19 August 2026
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Participants will complete their own tools and continue experimenting with tools and press-forming processes. The tutor will demonstrate how to cut out press-formed objects and flatten them correctly, introducing the relevant tools. Participants will discuss options with the tutor for undertaking the press-forming, including adding any relevant texture or finish. Participants will press-form their objects and begin cutting them out.
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Day 3: Wednesday 20 August 2026
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Demonstration of finishing your press-formed objects, including an introduction to various finishing media and processes, followed by an opportunity to experiment with these techniques. Assistance with finishing your items, including soldering support and help with individual projects. If time allows and participants have extra materials, more than one tool can be made to further explore the technique. The course will conclude with a show-and-tell session and a group discussion on how participants might further develop these skills within their own work.
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Materials and tools list for participants
| Materials required | Participant to bring/buy | Bishopsland/Tutor to supply |
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Bishopsland can supply a pack of these items for £35 per person, payable in advance of the course:
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| Tools required | Participant to bring/buy | Bishopsland/Tutor to supply |
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Please feel free to bring your own hand tools and equipment, for example:
We can supply these if you are not able to bring them. If you have
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Bishopsland will supply:
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N.B. Participants will be able to work at their own pace and have plenty of time to complete all tasks by the end of the course.
Participants are welcome to bring their own silver to use for press forming- please contact the tutor to discuss material requirements.
Accommodation
Is financial assistance available?
Unfortunately, Bishopsland cannot discount or provide financial assistance to cover the course fee or your material costs. We will, nearer the time, try to arrange a bullion loan for those who require it (your costs would be for processing, and the material would need to be returned after the course).
There are organisations who might be able to provide funding. We recommend you research grants available through The Goldsmiths Centre, Heritage Crafts or The Benevolent Society.
Next steps
Please go to the booking page. Once your booking is made, you will receive a confirmation email. In the run-up to the course next August, you will receive full joining instructions.
Contact us
For any questions about Bishopsland, purchasing the materials pack and getting here, please feel free to contact Claire Murdoch on c.murdoch@bishopsland.org.uk
For any details about the press forming project, please contact Angela Cork on a.cork@bishopsland.org.uk.
Lastly, we are looking forward to welcoming you to Bishopsland.
Angela Cork MA RCA
Contemporary Silversmith and Designer / Principal of Bishopsland
Angela Cork is Principal of Bishopsland Educational Trust and is an established silversmith and industry leader with both a strong technical, design and academic background. She is also a Fellow of Bishopsland.
Her work is represented in many prestigious galleries and exhibitions and many private and public collections including The P&O Makower Trust for the National Museum of Wales, Birmingham Museum & City Art Gallery and the Goldsmiths’ Company.
She has worked to commission for a variety of clients including The Financial Times, St Johns College Cambridge and The Vineyard Restaurant in Newbury.