Frequently Asked Questions
Tools and Materials are included in the price of all taster sessions. On 8-week courses silver will need to be ordered purchased by yourself. All of the silver we use is of hallmark quality (925).
Jewellery made on every taster session will be ready to take home on the day, all shiny and polished. You’ll be able to wear it home with pride and show everyone how clever you are!
On the 8 week courses we do not make a finished piece of jewellery on every session. This is more about acquisition of skills and you will have a small collection of jewellery finished by the end of the course. This however is dependent on each learner as you decide what pieces you’d like to make in weeks 5-8 of the course.
The taster sessions are outcome based so you come to make one item of finished jewellery to take home. The tutor provides demonstrations step by step to take you through the various processes and supports wherever necessary to ensure a successful outcome is achieved.
The classes/ courses are about acquisition of skills rather than outcomes of finished pieces. We work through set projects to practice these new skills and build week-on-week to extend your knowledge and understanding of tools, materials and processes.
We do not make a finished piece of jewellery each week but by the end of the course you will have some finished pieces. We start with foundation skills in the beginner’s course and through the subsequent improver’s courses, build on this to include as many different processes as possible to widen design possibilities and the range of skills gained.
We encourage you to work at home and provide tool information and suppliers so that you can work independently, taking the skills learnt on your own creative journey.
Parking- free parking is provided in the Shipyard Estate visitors car park, which is located opposite the workshop.
We are located up a single flight of stairs at 1st Floor Offices, Unit 47, The Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea. Our postcode is CO7 0AR.
The shipyard estate is at the end of Copperas road. As you follow the main road into Brightlingsea the B1029 is in turn: Church road, Spring Chase, Lower Park road, which becomes Colne Road. Going past the Yachtsmans arms, Colne road leads into Copperas road and into the shipyard estate, as you pass the Tower Street Pay and Display car park.
BENCHspace is opposite Essex Cement which is located at Olivers Wharf, and is next to Brightlingsea Recycling.
There are The Waterside Deli, Number One Harbour Square, and The Yachtsmans Arms nearby if you wish to eat out (the Deli does take away food too), or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the studio. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but if you have special dietary requirements please bring your own suitable snack.
As the skills of silversmithing require a level of manual dexterity and concentration our classes are only available to those who are 16 years or over.
Please take the time to read through our Terms & Conditions before booking to avoid problems.
We certainly do! Our taster sessions and courses make thoughtful and unique gifts. Vouchers are available from £5 upwards, please view the gift voucher options on the making page.
Our studio is situated on the first floor of a warehouse type building, only accessible via a single flight of stairs with a hand rail and 17 individual steps. Unfortunately we do not have disabled access or facilities.
