Over the course of three days students will be introduced to the ancient bronze age techniques of chasing and repousse with master chaser Aidan Breen.
Students will produce their designs in relief on copper and make a set of punches to continue with their new skills at home.
This course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public.
Course Overview
- Date: 3rd, 4th and 5th July 2026
- Duration: Three days; 10am – 5:30pm
- Last day to apply: 25th June 2026
- Venue: DCCIA School of Jewellery, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, R95 X9Y6
- Number of participants: 8
- Fee: €365.74
Why Attend
- Gain practical knowledge and skills in an ancient silversmithing technique.
- Learn from a highly respected and talented apprentice-trained (MH Gill & Son) master silversmith with many decades of experience.
- Expand your skill vocabulary to incorporate new techniques and potential for new designs.
- Connect with other enthusiasts and professionals in a friendly and collaborative environment.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in the basic techniques of chasing and repousse.
- Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Prepare metal for applying a design in relief.
- Applying a design or motif onto sheet metal to be chased with hammer and punch/chisel
- Learn about pitch and how to apply and remove the piece from the pitch.
- Cleaning up the finished work
Who Should Attend
- The workshop caters for those with basic metalworking skills up to professionals who want to learn more about forming metal. Tools and materials will be provided.
Day 1: Introduction to the techniques of chasing and repousse and the work of Aidan Breen. Demonstrations by Aidan. Begin designing and preparing metal and punches.
Day 2: Apply copper blanks to pitch bowls and begin chasing and repousse.
Day 3: Complete copper plate, remove from pitch and clean up.
Know Your Instructor
Dublin native and pioneer of the Renaissance of Celtic jewellery, Aidan Breen was trained in his craft by a traditional seven year apprenticeship as a “chaser” beginning at age 14 at M.H.Gill and Son,Church Furnishers in Dublin. A chaser works artistic designs into the surface of metal with a hammer and punches or chisels. Working in a large workshop with many other craftsmen as a young man he was able to develop his talent and skill working side-by-side with the most experienced and knowledgeable artisans in the field. Aidan learned his craft working on chalices, monstrances and tabernacles, while attending the National College of Art at night. After working for several other silver manufacturers as a chaser Aidan went into business on his own in 1978, specialising in the distinctly Celtic design tradition that had nearly died out in metal arts.
Many people are surprised to learn that there were practically no jewellers in Ireland working in Celtic design in the middle of the 20th century. When Aidan introduced his range of designs at a decorative arts tradeshow in 1979, his jewellery was snapped up by many of the most posh and fashionable people in Ireland. Aidan’s example in the renaissance of Celtic design and popularity of his work led many other Irish craftsmen to look to their heritage for inspiration. “As a young lad, I was always fascinated with the ancient and medieval treasures on display at the National Museum in Kildare Street. This was a place I frequently visited on weekends and still often go for inspiration.” Aidan is an avid researcher and collector of books on the earlier Celtic Revival, a movement which began in the 1840s and continued into the first several decades of the 20th century. As the Celtic Revival faded in other decorative arts in Ireland it remained strong in church furnishings and sports trophies. Since Aidan was immersed in this area as a young man, he had no idea at the time how out of fashion this style was. But as luck would have it, when the Celtic Revival got its second wind in the 1970s, Aidan was in a unique position to lead a new generation of artists and craftsmen as the acknowledged master of this style.
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