Cloisonné Enamel with Alexandra Raphael

We are very lucky to be able to offer this fantastic two-day cloisonné enamel course with master enameller Alexandra Raphael.

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork with coloured glass, fired into a design created in metal strips. The decoration is formed by first applying silver or gold wires (cloisons in French) to the metal object. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel, which are often of several colours. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder (ground glass) then fired in a kiln to fuse the glass to the metal.

Students attending this course would ideally have already attended our Enamelling Workshop for beginners for a basic understanding of enamel (our next beginners course is on Saturday 13th April).

During the course, Alexandra will show students how to work with transparent and opaque enamel on silver, using wet-lay techniques, with areas separated by cloisonné wires. There will be a demonstration grinding enamel from solid lump form and cleaning the enamel to raise the purity of colour.

During the first morning, students will make samples both with and without flux (which varies the outcome), in various colours, producing a sample strip on metal which they can keep. After this introduction to the technique, students will work on their own design, creating a beautiful round domed disc pendant with cloisonné wires and enamel.

Alexandra Raphael

Alexandra Raphael is a master of her craft. She loves the wonderful effects of translucent glass colours on silver. She says it’s like "watercolours in glass” as her graduating enamel colours gently flow across the reflective silver surface below. For students used to working on copper, enamelling on silver is going to be a wonderful experience.

Alexandra’s favourite pieces are made for individual commissions telling a personal story. She creates images to depict a celebration or experiences rather than words in her gold and silver wire.

Her plique-a-jour bowls are breathtaking. Backless enamels are miniature stained-glass windows with delicate effect and her bowls are no exception. Her latest “Lace” bowl won 3 gold awards including for overall senior. A similar bowl was purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. A true accolade of her craftsmanship in enamel.

 If you are interested in this course but can’t do the date(s) available, click the link below to be notified when we have another date.