| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to Copper Automata
Course Overview
This is a 2-day course based in our fantastic 3d metalworking workshop on our Falmouth campus. Falmouth town has a long history as a centre for automata makers and continues to be an important nucleus of contemporary automata makers. We’ll start with an introduction to the fascinating history of automata, framed by this local lens.
Course Details
- Design an automata within the scope of the materials and methods offered
- Cut and finish copper motifs from paper templates
- Construct a supportive box or miniature theatre for your automata in wood or metal
- Engineer a mechanism to give your automata movement
- Add decorative finishes to your metal
Course Leader: Esther Smith
Esther is a Cornish based automata maker. She uses traditional metalworking techniques to make her pieces including patination and enamelling to infuse copper and brass with colour. Esther’s inspiration is storytelling. She snips, saws and files characters including animals, boats, trees and flowers – anything that can be drawn as a silhouette and applied to metal. Each piece plays a vital part in the story. The mechanical aspect of automata brings a magical element of movement to the story and serves to enchant those who turn the handles.
How You'll Learn
This is a creative and hands-on course where you’ll learn via a series of practical taught sessions. You will work with copper and brass with the possibility of adding wooden elements. No previous experience is necessary as all techniques will be demonstrated and supported throughout the 2 day course.
Who is this Course For
You might be a creative inventor or an artist looking to broaden your practice, or someone interested in gaining knowledge of working creatively with metals. No previous specific experience is necessary as all techniques will be demonstrated and supported throughout the course. Please note that to get the most out of the course you'll need to have basic confidence and competence in practical crafts and using hand or powered tools.
What to Expect
- Each day will have the following timings:
- 9.30: Arrival and welcome, tea and coffee
- 10am – 1pm: Morning session
- 1pm – 2pm: Lunch break (please bring a packed lunch)
- 2pm – 5pm: Afternoon session
What to Bring
- Bring your creative ideas
- All materials you’ll need to design and create your automata are provided
- Please remember to bring a packed lunch with you
What We’ll Provide
- All materials you’ll need are provided
- Tea/coffee is included each day
Location
This course is taught in our metalworking workshop on our Falmouth Campus.
Eligibility
No previous specific experience is necessary as all techniques will be demonstrated and supported throughout the course. Please note that to get the most out of the course you will need basic competence and confidence in practical crafts, and in using hand and powered tools.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in this course cost. If you would like to book accommodation, please see our accommodation for short course students page for a range of options.
Accessibility
Our Falmouth campus is not fully accessible. Please contact us if you have questions about mobility and access.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees per individual: £395
How to Apply
To apply for this course, make your selection from the available dates below, this will take you to an event page where you will be able to book yourself onto the course via the Book now link.
