TUTOR:

Stephen M Goldsmith

ABOUT STEPHEN:

Stephen M Goldsmith started out at Rochester Art college, now known as University for the Creative Arts and was apprenticed at C.J Vander’s in 1971 and indentured with The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’. Now a Master Polisher of over 50 years’ experience, originally working for the Crown Jewellers Asprey & Garrards and well-known society jeweller Theo Fennell.

Many of the pieces polished are now seen in Palaces, Museums and the rich and famous across the world. Stephen is one the most respected jewellery & silver polishers and is currently is teaching polishing across Europe and is known affectionately as “The Gold polishing Guru”.

He has polished and restored many famous silverware pieces including the Americas Cup; Cricket World cup, Wimbledon Cup, Dubai Gold Cup, Premier League Cup. He has also been privileged to work in the jewel house at the Tower of London restoring The Grand Punch bowl made in 1830 and used by the Royal family on many occasions.

Also known for polishing the largest pure gold coins made by the Royal Mint  the largest being the James Bond 7kg pure gold coin.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) and their official ambassador and a Master of The Dutch Guild of Goldsmiths.

He shares his trade skills by teaching nationally and internationally including at Goldsmiths Centre, School of Master Jeweller’s Birmingham and VanTol & Breet Academy (Netherlands), The School of Jewellery Dublin & The Design & Craft Irish Craft Council in Kilkenny, Vannilla Ink, Aka_bespoke Manchester, Sheila Fleet in Orkney, Patrick Mavros in Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

Stephen is a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ and was granted the Freedom of the City of London in 1975. He has also had the very rare honour of winning The Goldsmith’s Company Award twice, plus many other prestigious awards and served as a council member for The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council and a published authority on polishing precious metals “Polishing and Finishing for Jewellers and Silversmiths by the Crowood Press.

WHAT DOES THE DAY INVOLVE?

We are very pleased to announce that Stephen Goldsmith aka the Gold polishing Guru is coming to BENCHspace to teach his polishing masterclass. If you’re in the industry, he needs no introduction but for anyone who hasn’t heard of him, he is a master of the polishing craft with over 50 years experience, his client list past and present includes, Asprey, Garrard, Theo Fennell, Hamilton and Inches Crown Jewellers of Scotland, The Royal Mint, The Royal Society. He has polished and restored many famous silverware pieces including the Americas Cup; Davis Cup; Wimbledon Cup and the Premier League Cup and he has also advised the Tower of London Jewel House on the upkeep of their silver collections. He also judged the polishing section of Goldsmiths craft and design awards. His book “Polishing and finishing for jewellers and silversmiths” is the go-to handbook for every professional studio.

You can get a glimpse of what he does on his instagram page

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE MASTERCLASS?

First, Stephen will talk about his career giving you an insight into the makings of a master craftsman. Then he will demonstrate just why he is known as master polisher. After this demonstration you will be guided by Stephen to try and replicate what you have been shown in the demonstration.

After working through a few more exercises you will set to work on your own jewellery, receiving guidance on not just how to achieve the finish you would like for your jewellery but to reach a standard of finish you didn’t know you could.

All you need to bring is some of your own jewellery (at least 6 items) at the point where it’s ready for polishing.

You will have a spindle that is yours for the duration of the masterclass, mops, materials etc will be provided. It is a messy business so make sure your clothing is old and workshop friendly! You will also have full access to our workshop, benches, tools and equipment if needed.

This Masterclass will leave you with the knowledge and skills to take your polishing to a highly professional standard.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

This class will benefit jewellers with some experience who are looking to learn to polish their work to a professional level. Our small classes mean we are able to provide each student with the support they require.

CLASS SIZE:

8

WHAT TO BRING:

For safety reasons, during each class, you are required to wear appropriate footwear, we request that no open toed shoes are worn or loose clothing such as scarves etc. Long hair should also be tied back when working with the equipment. You may also wish to bring a notebook as there are always many tips and tricks given verbally by the tutor, which some might like to keep note of. We have a microwave, kettle and fridge to store or cook your lunch choices. Please provide your own lunch.