Metalwork And 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.

(back cover) The ancient art of creating fired enamel on metal objects is enjoying renewed interest in today's arts and crafts world. This book explains the basic techniques clearly and precisely, combining text and illustrations to demonstrate several different metalworking processes. Following a brief, enlightening history of the art, the authors discuss the nature and characteristics of glass-based pigments, which are the special types of enamel required for application to metal. Subsequent chapters introduce readers to the materials and tools required for enameling on metal, the preparation processes, and the various working techniques that produce finished objects. The book's final section presents step-by-step instructions for crafting several different enameled metal art objects--all of which are the original creations of experienced metalwork artists. (front flap) Enameling on Metal The Art and Craft of Enameling on Metal Explained Clearly and Precisely Núria López-Ribalta and Eva Pascual i Miró Enameling on metal is an ancient and revered art form, and this book presents detailed instruction that is suitable for self-teaching as well as for use in formal arts and crafts classes. An opening chapter discusses and illustrates examples of enameled art objects created by medieval, renaissance, and modern artists. Chapters that follow describe tools and materials and present detailed instruction in mastering the various techniques required to produce finished work. Students are introduced to several different enameling methods, such as cloisonné and basse taille. A final section presents step-by-step instructions for a series of projects that students can carry out to produce several different enameled metal objects, which include jewelry, wall hangings, decorative boxes, vases, urns, and sculptures. (back flap) Núria López-Ribalta has her own enameling studio and regularly exhibits her drawings, paintings, and enamel work in international exhibitions. She has received numerous international awards for her enamel work, including the Diploma of the Municipality at the International Biennale in Vilnius, Lithuania and the Prize for Integration of Material in the Cloisonné Jewelry Contest in Japan. She also teaches and writes extensively on the subject of enameling on metal. Eva Pascual i Miró is an expert in antiques, and specializes in Catalan furniture and Catalan and medieval decorative arts. She has written extensively on these subjects, and has documented artworks and coordinated exhibitions at several museums and cultural institutions in Catalonia.

From the Inside Flap: This authoritative, beautifully illustrated book is a boon to professional artist and amateur craftsman alike. If you are a professional, you can still learn much from the dozens of advanced techniques the author has perfected in the many years she has practiced and taught her craft. If you are an amateur, this may be your first introduction to methods of designing, metalworking, and enameling that will enable you to produce true works of art far beyond the little bowls and ash trays that usually clutter home workshops. And if you are a raw beginner, this book will teach you the basics of a fascinating and ancient craft. What workspace and equipment do you need for metalworking and enameling? You may already know-or think you do. Pages 10-15 will tell you. How do different metals affect the process of enameling? On page 16 begins the first of many clear, detailed discussions of methods suited to copper, to different kinds of gold, to different kinds of silver; the craftsman is not restricted to large enamels on copper or to small, jewel-like enamels on precious metal, for both are covered. What type of cloisonne wire should you use on gold? on silver? on copper? See page 52. Can you make your own wire? Page 32. Can you enrich the flat, shiny appearance of opaque enamels? Very easily-see page 55. Where can you get grisaille white, what thinners should you use with it, what enamels are best for backgrounds? Pages 71-74 are a full discussion of grisaille. What are the various methods you can use to prepare metals for champleve enameling? The whole subject is covered on pages 65-67. How can you repair flaws that develop during firings of an intricate plique-a-jour piece? See page 70, and also the general discussion of repair techniques in the appendix, page 122. And there is much more-how to make uniform gold balls for grain enameling (page 77), what safety precautions to take when gilding with mercury (page 78)-and over 30 pages of specific works and projects that show in the clearest way how design, enamel, wood, pewter, copper, precious metals, and your skill combine to produce finished objects. Finally, a hand Appendix lists suppliers and methods of transferring designs, counterenameling, using acids, repairing flaws, and fitting pin stems and findings. Truly a splendid and comprehensive book.