Tutor Rex Cooper B A (Hons), now in his seventies, has been a hand engraver since leaving Technical College. After completing a five year apprenticeship, he served a further two years as an 'improver' and continued working for the same employer for the next twelve years. In 1964 he opened his own studio in Luton, where he completed work for more than fifty jewellery businesses for some thirty years.

During this two day course, students will study the layout and design of lettering and decoration. They will also learn the use and sharpening of tools, and the behaviour of various metals.

Heraldic design will be studied, and the meanings of various arms explained.

Each student will complete a copper practice plate and produce two engraved practical items during the course.

There are very few, if any, hand engravers with Rex's experience, and so we feel privileged to have him share his techniques and knowledge with us for this course.