Enamelling

All those concerned with goldsmithing, silversmithing, rare metal objects, or metal scientific instruments, or their repair or restoration will be delighted to find this bible of their craft available again in a new edition. And those interested in such work as one of the most rewarding of all avocational arts can hardly find a better guide. For this is the professional's handbook — the standard text on the subject. The author, who, among his other achievements, was responsible for reconstruction work on the Sutton Hoo treasure in the British Museum (and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his work), treats every aspect of the craft in detail, from basic tools to casting and enameling in separate sections. After discussing materials and tools, he provides a treatment of soldering in rare metals that is more extensive, more thorough, and richer in practical advice than can be found elsewhere. He continues into filigree work, the setting of stones, raising and shaping, spinning, repoussé work, wire twisting, hinges and joints, inlaying and overlaying, niello, alloys and stratified fabrics, enameling (including cloisonné, plique-à-jour, champlevé, bassetaille, encrusted and painted enamels), metal casting, construction, setting out, polishing and coloring, design, and assaying and hallmarking. Wherever possible, he analyzes examples of fine craftsmanship, ancient and modern, to illustrate practical aspects of the process he is explaining. Helpful hints are included on shop set-up and safety. The vastness of the author's experience in the actual work, with his authoritative knowledge of the entire field, ensures that readers of Metalwork and Enamelling are being advised and guided by a renowned expert. Over 300 figures and photographs amplify the discussion of tools, materials, and construction. Tables and standards useful to the craftsman (melting points and weights of metals, for example) are included. Notes to the photographic plates describe the objects in detail — magnificent examples of craftsmanship throughout the ages. Both complete and concise, this book belongs close to every rare metals workshop, laboratory, museum shop, and craft center.

Copper enamelling - essentially, the melting of glass enamel grains onto a copper surface - is an exciting and fascinating technique. Enamelling on Copper highlights the unique interactions between copper and enamels, and gives a detailed account of working with this wonderful combination. The basic technique - simply sifting ground enamels onto a copper surface and firing the two in a kiln for one minute - is a thrilling experience, but delving deeper into the techniques pays even greater rewards. Starting with an introduction to enamels, this new book goes on to explain how to work with an enamelling kiln, including temperatures and timings; the different kinds of enamels and how they work together; the enamelling process and how to control small sifted particles of the glass enamels to achieve your designs. A final chapter is devoted to the practice of firing the enamels higher than is necessary in order to transform their colours to create unique effects.This book wiill be of great interest to all enamellers, jewellers and metal workers at all levels and is beautifully illustrated with 226 colour photographs.

First Published in 1998 , The Dictionary of Enamelling is the first book to provide a comprehensive guide to this most diverse of the decorative arts.Indispensable for anyone interested in the evolution of enamelling technique, the book includes some 400 entries covering every aspect of its history. There are entries on key pieces, individual enamellers, designers, schools, techniques, and the major achievements are described in every era. The knowledge and insight of Erika Speel’s account are supported and enhanced by a brilliantly researched collection of 200 illustrations, 100 in colour, portraying the most dazzling and important pieces, a unique visual record of enamelling history. The Dictionary of Enamelling will be invaluable to people who collect, study, create and enjoy enamels.

Enamels and enamelling; an introduction to the preparation and application of all kinds of enamels for technical and artistic purposes, for enamel makers, workers in gold and silver and manufacturers of objects of art

BACK BY POPULAR DEMANDDorothy Cockrell encourages readers to enjoy the delights of this exciting and gratifying craft. Offering easy step-by-step photographs and instructions, she guides the reader through all the different techniques, illustrating how beautiful and unusual effects can be achieved once the basic principles have been learnt. She discusses how to prepare the metal, choosing and mixing colours and firing methods. More advanced techniques are also included: stencilling, drawing on enamel, sgrafitto, using rubber stamps, working with gold and silver leaf, and more. You can make jewellery, decorate boxes, create pictures, embellish bowls and produce many unique designs. The vibrant colours and wonderful textures will make you want to experiment and develop your own projects. Packed with stimulating and innovative ideas, this book will appeal to beginners who want to start a fascinating new craft, and it will also inspire anyone interested in the art of enamelling.Previously published as ISBN 9781903975619

The exquisite colours of enamelling have been the choice of kings for centuries. This book explains the rich traditions of the magnificent technique of champleve, which combines the skills of engraving and enamelling. Champleve is a technique of enamelling requiring the creation of a cell into which enamel is then applied. Celebrating fifty years of working as a master craftsman, Phil Barnes gives a unique insight into all aspects of the process as he explains the techniques of engraving in preparation for enamelling, and then looks at enamels and how to work with them to create a piece, through to the final polishing and finishing. The book covers: a brief background to the history of enamelling, the materials and the techniques used; an introduction to the workshop and tools for the engraver and the enameller; instructions on transferring designs and making first cuts, recessing a cell and surface texturing for enamel; techniques for working with enamels, including laying over shaped surfaces, grading colours and repairing; advice on kilns and firing, polishing and finishing. A beautiful book that gives a masterclass in champleve enamel work and is fully illustrated with 209 colour photographs including step-by-step sequence shots and fine examples of finished pieces.

This vintage book is a complete and profusely illustrated treatise on artistic enamelling, being an exposition of its theory with step-by-step instructions, chapters on weights and measures, information concerning enamelling on various materials, helpful hints and tips, and much more. This volume will be of considerable utility to anyone with an interest in enamelling and would make for a worthy addition to collections of related literature. Contents include: “On the Choice of a Style in Enamelling”, “The Mode of Executing 'Limoges Enamels'”, “Cloisonné Enamels, Jewellery, and Imitation Glass Gems”, and “The Manufacture of Enamel”. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. First published in 1899.

Enamelling - the fusion of glass on metal - provides opportunities for amazing effects, colours and styles of jewellery. In this book, Ruth Ball outlines each of the main enamel techniques in step-by-step detail and gives an insight into the variety of modern methods available for exploration. Contents include: the fundamental preparations, enamel characteristics and types; designing, constructing, firing and finishing enamel; cloissoné; engraving and etching; painted enamel; and various additional techniques, methods and effects. The gallery showcases work from over 30 international contemporary enamellists, and there is also a 'troubleshooting' section to help readers identify, remedy and repair any problems they may encounter along the way. This is an extremely practical, accessible and user-friendly handbook, packed with useful information, advice and clearly illustrated, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.