Sheet Copper Sculpture

This course offers a fantastic opportunity, over four consecutive days, to explore the sculptural possibilities of sheet copper working.

This course will look at the numerous ways of shaping, cutting, soldering and colouring sheet copper to create sculptural shapes in three dimensions. Taking advantage of the excellent metal working workshop at LSW this course will show you the possibilities of working sheet copper, a great material for making outdoor sculpture, water features and hanging mobiles.

Day one

Learn how to shape and dome sheet copper using heat, mallets and formers. Explore surface working techniques including planishing, repoussé and chasing.

Create your own designs from paper templates to overlay on sheet copper and use as cutting profiles for assembly.

Day Two

Further techniques for cutting and shaping copper including plasma cutting and box folding.

Day Three

Joining copper including brazing, soldering bolting and riveting.

Day Four

Surface finishes, patinas, waxes and enamelling effects to finish your sheet copper artwork.

After the first day general introduction to techniques and starter exercises, this becomes a personal project lead course with ongoing technical demonstrations in a well setup metalworking studio.

Bring along ideas, sketch books or small models for what you wish to make and any reference materials for ideas.

It is essential to wear old clothes and strong footwear.

Beginners welcome.

Basic materials are included.

Course cost: £480

Course date: Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd & Thursday 4th June 2026

Course times: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Number of places available: 10

Tutors: Robert Worley (RCA)