I’m Karen, a silversmith with over 25 years experience in designing, making & teaching.
I began my jewellery career in 1992 – working in the retail jewellery trade, qualifying as a gemmologist (FGA) and retail jeweller (RJDip) before gaining a degree in Silversmithing & Jewellery at London Guildhall University, Sir John Cass Faculty, London.
I worked as a silversmith within a busy London workshop, making bespoke large-scale commemorative and decorative silver artworks.
From this, I went on to become a fully qualified teacher (P.G.C.E) working with secondary pupils teaching Design and Technology (in Resistant Materials: metalwork, woodwork, and plastics).
In 2019, I established BENCHspace to offer people the opportunity to make in metal and to learn the foundation skills needed to make your own work.
I have taught all ages and abilities over the years, and I strongly believe that making is good for the soul, whatever your ability.
After relocating to the Essex Coast, I was awarded with a Distinction, in my M.A. in Contemporary Art & Professional Practice from Essex University.
Over the years I have exhibited internationally and been awarded prizes for my work from The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, The National Association of Goldsmiths and the British Jewellers Association.
My time is now mainly spent teaching classes in my little jewellery workshop by the sea and passing on my love of making in metal.
Making is mindfulness in action, so much more than just technical skills, and is extremely good for your wellbeing.
A combination of both science and art, a technical kind of magic that is fun to make and a joy to wear.
BENCHspace is all about building a creative community, offering tuition for jewellery makers and silversmiths.
The workshop is set up to be a friendly and supportive space packed with every type of tool and machine to allow your ideas to come to life.
Our Jewellery Tutors
Karen
I established BENCHspace in 2019 to share my love of jewellery and silversmithing and to offer people the opportunity to make in metal. I believe that making matters and is mindfulness in action. Focusing on making things quietens the mind and is good for the soul. I started in the jewellery trade at 18 years old and have worked at all levels in the trade including being a qualified as a gemmologist (FGA), with a BA & MA in silversmithing & jewellery, a PGCE in teaching and working as a silversmith in Clerkenwell, London. My own work draws inspiration from the natural world. Although I teach jewellery, I enjoy making large silversmithing pieces, holloware forms hand-raised from sheet, forged and hand-formed jewellery inspired by seedpods, vines and leaves.
Kitty
Marlies
We offer private tuition at BENCHspace with Kitty or Marlies (during term time only).
We offer 3 hour slots so you can either book a half or a full day workshop with your chosen tutor. Availability by arrangement, just send us an email and we can organise your bespoke tuition.
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1:1 Tuition with Kitty (3 hours) £105.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition.(Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
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1:2 Tuition with Kitty (3 hours) £140.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition. (Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
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1:3 Tuition with Kitty (3 hours) £160.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition.(Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
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1:1 Tuition with Marlies (3 hours) £150.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition. (Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
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1:2 Tuition with Marlies (3 hours) £190.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition. (Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
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1:3 Tuition with Marlies (3 hours) £220.00
Full use of the workshop tools with tuition. (Not inclusive of metals, burrs, drill bits, saw blades, gemstones etc.)
