Stephen Goldsmith Polishing Master Class Thurs 26- Fri 27 Sept 2024 RESIDENTIAL

POLISHING MASTER CLASS
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 September 2024
World renowned Master Polisher Stephen M Goldsmith is heading to our workshop to give you a two day masterclass that will improve your finishing and give you an experience you’ll never forget!  We don’t know if this is his last one, at 70 his wife Ali thinks he should fully retire!  Stephen’s passion is polishing and his mantra is to hand over his skill to the next generations.
The course is suitable for professionals that need a refresh on their skills, to hobbyists, apprentices and watch makers.  The studio is relaxed and we work at a pace that everyone is comfortable with.  Unique to Stephen’s masterclass comes Sappho.  She has been on the course herself and is hands on with helping, and clearing up the mess as you go. 
Let’s be honest, most of us have struggled throughout our careers to figure out the best way to achieve the perfect look for our jewellery. On his two day polishing bonanza, Stephen will improve your finishing skills to an exceptionally high level that is expected from a professional workshop.   You’ll learn a number of finishes and create a palette for future reference 
WHAT HAPPENS?
You’re looking at this class because you want to improve your finishing skills. Expect a whole heap of hints, tips and tricks that will allow you to finish jewellery in a way you didn’t think was possible. We also anticipate friendly, cockney banter from our Steve, and exceptional hosting from Sappho.  You’ll be using polishing motors, thumbing cord, hand tools and pendant motors.  
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Bring a sketchbook or similar for taking notes. Please wear long hair tied up [or bring something to do so, don’t wear open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum. You’re polishing on a spindle, it will be messy so choice of workshop attire will need to expect the worse. That lovely 80s puffy sleeve number can remain in the drawer. Like America, we love your right to bare arms for this class.  Don’t forget an apron!
We will provide everything you need for this, which includes polishing motors, metals, materials, compounds and more. We got you covered! You’ll have access to all of our hand tools, and as a working studio there are ample ‘have you got this’ on hand items.  You’ll get a great lunch in the onsite pub, and as much tea, coffee and water as you can drink.  
This is a residential full board course. You will stay in your own comfortable ensuite room with fabulous views of the roaming Essex countryside.  Dinner, bed and breakfast is included.  During dinner Stephen is open to any questions and tales of the trade.  The food is good, very good!  Breakfast is local produce with a good selection of hot and cold choices, Steve will run through some social media hacks and he’s always up for hearing yours.  If you are local please check out the non residential stay which is the class only. 
Back ground on your tutors:
Stephen M Goldsmith started out in the 1970’s at Rochester Art college, [now known as University for the Creative Arts], 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, he originally worked for the Crown Jewellers, Asprey & Garrards, alongside jeweller Theo Fennell.
Many of the pieces polished are now seen in palaces and museums across the world. Stephen is one the most respected jewellery and silver polishers and is currently is teaching polishing across Europe. He is known affectionately as “The Gold Polishing Guru”.
Sappho Brammer
A change of a career from pharmacy and finance to that of jewellery designer and maker.  I’m a bench jeweller, accredited with distinction by the British Academy.  With over twenty years of experience my specialty is bespoke fine jewellery and coin jewellery.  Working by recommendation and by appointment only.  My work has been exhibited in London galleries and worn on Jayne Torvill for 15 series of Dancing on Ice, as well as many other notable people and tv shows. The double coin necklace I designed in the millennium era is still as popular now as it was then.  
The venue
Sappho Rocks is on a non working farm.  It’s quiet and family run.  We have free parking, and are situated near to J29 of the M25.  Direct train from London Fenchurch St takes just 30 mins with a collection service from the near by station Ockendon.