MASTERMAKER: Chris Boland [JUN]

Date: Friday 20 June, 2025

Start Time: 2pm

End Time: 7pm

Venue: FORGE

Join us at FORGE on Friday, 20th June for an exclusive MasterMaker session with renowned jewellery designer Chris Boland. This special event offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into his creative process, explore his craftsmanship, and create your own jewellery piece under his guidance.

Don't miss this unique and wonderful opportunity!

Limited places available! Booking essential.

What is our MasterMaker Series?

These monthly events embody what FORGE stands for: exceptional design, the preservation of skills, and the sharing of knowledge. They are limited to 10 people for a unique & intimate, exclusive experience with a highly skilled & accomplished designer.

During 5 captivating hours, you’ll engage in a talk, witness a live demonstration, and partake in a hands-on workshop, all guided by the MasterMakers themselves. The event concludes with a relaxed chat and mingle over wine and delicious sushi from our neighbours Mugen.

What will I make?

Following the theme "Under the Sea," Chris will guide you through the process of making a silver cube & pearl-set pendant in his signature style. You will learn techniques such as:

Score & fold

Sawing

Soldering

Fixing pearls

Polishing

What will happen on the day?

This is a unique opportunity to hear Chris Boland share his creative journey and how his work has evolved over the years. You’ll get a close-up look at his stunning jewellery pieces, explore his artistic process, and gain insights into his various commissions.

In the workshop part of the day, Chris will guide you through making a cube pendant with an offset pearl, a contemporary take on a classic design that reflects his signature style. Throughout the session, you'll learn and apply traditional jewellery-making techniques, with plenty of opportunities to ask Chris questions and receive hands-on guidance.

The day will conclude with a relaxed mingling session over sushi and drinks at FORGE, where you can connect with fellow participants and celebrate your creations.

What skills do I need?

Intermediate - For those who already have some prior knowledge on the subject or have relevant skills.

What should I bring?

- All materials will be provided.

- Reading glasses (if you need them!)

- Note book and pen.

What should I wear?

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my instructor?

Chris Boland’s jewellery is inspired by inorganic structures, emphasizing bold forms that highlight the unique inclusions of each gemstone. Drawing from architectural metalwork and sculpture, his designs embrace the marks left during construction, celebrating raw craftsmanship. Working directly in metal, he uses traditional techniques like score-folding, soldering, and hand-finishing, ensuring an organic interaction between tools and material rather than replicating wax or additive manufacturing. His pieces start with a minimal concept but evolve through serendipitous mark-making and real-time responses to form, resulting in complex, dynamic designs. Gemstones are always presented in striking, unconventional ways, with a focus on natural, untreated stones—each piece telling its own unique story through metal and craftsmanship.

How do I get there?

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

£150.00