MASTERMAKER: Vicki Ambery-Smith [OCT 2025]

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The revered Vicki Ambery-Smith joins our 2025 MasterMaker Series! Join us on Thursday 16th October for a rare opportunity to meet and learn from the celebrated architectural silver smith Vicki Ambery-Smith in an exclusive and intimate event. Vicki will share insights into her creative journey, influences, and techniques that have shaped her extraordinary body of work over the years—including her signature use of fretwork and layered silver to create architectural forms. You’ll then create your own silver pendant inspired by Vicki’s work—featuring intricate fretwork and layered elements that capture the elegance of ornate window tracery. The experience wraps up with a relaxed conversation over a glass of wine and sushi from our wonderful neighbours at Mugen. Limited places available! Booking essential. What will I make? A beautifully detailed silver pendant inspired by Vicki’s architectural jewellery designs. During the session, you will: Master the use of a jeweller’s saw to cut intricate patterns and shapes. Practice precision and control to achieve clean, detailed cuts in silver Learn the fundamentals of soldering silver, including preparing the metal, applying flux, and using a torch. Practice layering and soldering multiple pieces of silver sheet to add depth and dimension to your pendant. Explore various texturing techniques to add surface interest and detail. Learn finishing techniques to polish and perfect your pendant, ensuring a professional finish. What will happen on the day? The day begins with a fascinating talk from Vicki, where she’ll reflect on her career, share stories behind her commissions, and walk you through the ideas that inspired her book Jewellery & Silverware - Inspired by Architecture, which will also be available to purchase on the day. You’ll handle some of her stunning works, hear about her creative process, and then watch a live demonstration of her fretwork technique—showing how to use layers of silver to evoke the beauty and depth of architectural design. Following the demo, you’ll get hands-on, creating your own window-inspired pendant under Vicki’s guidance. The day concludes with a relaxed chat with Vicki over wine and delicious sushi. What skills do I need? This workshop is suitable for all levels What should I bring? - All materials will be provided. - Reading glasses (if you need them!) - Note book and pen. What should I wear? Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working. Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them! Hair: Tie long hair back. Who is my Instructor? Vicki Ambery-Smith’s distinctive style of silversmithing reflects her great interest in architecture. Using techniques of manipulation and trompe d’oel to get her desired effect to play with the power of architecture, inspire fantasy or trigger a memory. Each piece is an interpretation of a particular building. She specialises in celebratory and commemorative pieces which capture the client’s love and affection for a building of special significance. Growing up in Oxford initially inspired her and she studied jewellery design at the famous Hornsey College of Art before being awarded a Crafts Council grant to establish her own workshop in 1977. She has exhibited widely ever since and her work has been selected for many public and private collections around the world, including the Royal Scottish Museum, Norwich Castle Museum, Los Angeles Museum for Contemporary Art and Houston University, Texas. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, acquired a selection of her design drawings as well as pieces for their jewellery and silver departments. In 2022 Her book: Jewellery & Silverware inspired by Architecture was published by Unicorn Press. tgis will be avaialbel to buy How do I get there? See contact page for details on public transport and parking. How do I book? To book your workshop, simply add your chosen session to your basket by clicking Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout. Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us. Dietary Requirements At the end of the workshop, we’ll be providing a selection of vegetarian and fish sushi, along with prosecco and soft drinks. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make suitable arrangements. Show more