Repoussé and chasing are ancient metalworking techniques used in jewellery and metalwork, with examples found in various cultures throughout the world dating back almost 5000 years.
These beautiful techniques are used together to create intricate relief designs, with repoussé involving hammering from the back to raise the design and chasing focusing on detailing from the front by indenting the metal. These techniques are suitable for jewellery and larger smithed pieces.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketch/design to the class, not exceeding 45mm x 45mm. For those who haven’t prepared a design we can work one out on the day. Please also bring your sketchbook and pencil.
This course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public.
Course Overview
- Date: Saturday 12th – Tuesday 15th July 2025
- Duration: Four days; 10am – 5pm with hour for lunch
- Last day to apply: 7th July
- Venue: DCCIA School of Jewellery, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, R95 X9Y6
- Number of participants: 6
- Fee: €480
Why Attend
- Learn rare, timeless techniques: Master 5,000-year-old skills—repoussé and chasing—to create detailed, high-relief metalwork that stands out.
- Create a finished silver piece: Leave with a unique, handcrafted pendant or brooch in sterling silver—designed and made by you.
- Expert instruction in a small group: Get one-on-one attention from Master Silversmith Victoria Donovan, with personalised support at every step.
Learning Outcomes
- During this four-day course, your tutor will demonstrate each technique and take you through the process step by step. Due to the small class numbers, you will receive individual attention and help in achieving the most stunning results.
- During the course, you will practice the technique in copper before moving on to your final piece in sterling silver. You are encouraged to provide your own design/idea to develop, or one can be provided for you.
- On the last day of class, you will transform your silver piece into a beautiful and unique pendant or brooch to take home with you. The cost of all materials is included in the course fee.
Who Should Attend
- This course is suitable for beginners and hobbyists right up to experienced/professional crafters who wish to add this versatile technique to their skill set.
We’ll start with a quick intro to the forming techniques, along with samples of finished work and an explanation of the tools you’ll be using. Then we’ll look over your sketches to check they’re suitable. You’ll prepare your metal by annealing, transfer your design, and secure it to the pitch bowl. There’ll also be a chance to test the techniques on copper sheet using my pitch and bowls!
Time to chase! Using your chasing tools and a repoussé hammer, you’ll carefully follow the outlines of your design. Once that’s done, you’ll gently heat the metal to release it from the pitch, give it a clean with paraffin, and reattach it with the reverse side facing up.
Now you’ll begin repoussé—working from the back to push the metal forward and create the relief. When that’s done, the metal comes off the pitch again, gets cleaned, and is reattached right side up. You’ll then texture the surface and re-chase the lines for definition, before one final clean.
With the relief complete, it’s time to pierce, file, and emery your piece. Finally, you’ll add findings—brooch, pendant, your choice.Big round of applause—well done everyone!
Know Your Instructor
Victoria Donovan is a Master Silversmith and the driving force behind Donovan Silversmiths, a family-run workshop in Co Kilkenny, rooted in tradition, artistry, and craftsmanship. Continuing the legacy of her late father, Peter Donovan – a celebrated master silversmith, designer, and tutor – Victoria has been a central figure in the family craft since the 1990s.
Having trained under her father, Victoria developed her skills in the time-honoured methods of silversmithing, specialising in both domestic and liturgical silverware. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail, her commitment to creating one-of-a-kind pieces entirely by hand, and her dedication to preserving Ireland’s rich silversmithing heritage. Her work reflects both reverence for tradition and a personal artistic vision, ensuring each piece carries its own story.
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