Fold Forming and Curved-Score Folding with Paul Wells

Paul Wells has been teaching fold forming for more than two decades. In addition to teaching a range of established folding methods during this five-day course, he will share the secrets of his award-winning wire-scoring technique which he has developed in recent years.

With the emphasis on exploration, you will practice the demonstrated folding techniques and then develop these ideas through focused experimentation, creating your own range of sculptural folded forms.

• Different types of fold, including Rueger, Ward and Star folds
• Methods for stretching metal forms, including hammering and use of the rolling mill
• How to create curved scores with wire
• An understanding of work-hardening and the importance of annealing
• How to interpret technique-led processes to develop ideas
• An understanding of the effects of fold forming in the transformation from 2D to 3D forms

By the end of the course, you will have made a variety of folded copper forms—both samples of the demonstrated folding techniques, as well as your own sculptural explorations.

Our small class size offers you the chance to get group tuition as well as individual guidance on a 1:1 basis with your tutor, allowing you to receive tailored advice to deepen your knowledge and understanding of fold forming sheet metal.

• Tin snips
• Piercing saw frame
• Saw blades 2/0 or 4/0 x 1 bundle
• Half Round hand file with handle
• Raw hide mallet
• Pair of dividers
• A blunt butter knife
• Ear plugs
• Appropriate shoes

• All sheets metal (Copper) needed to produce work
• Wire for scoring
• Dip gloves

• Beginners: No practical experience or understanding of the listed skills required.
• Intermediate: Some practical experience and understanding of the listed skills required.

Participants should be comfortable in a workshop environment and able to work independently on basic tasks.

We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.

If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here:

The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity.

Paul Wells is a London-based silversmith and jeweller, and has been teaching direct metalworking techniques for two decades. Wells’ silverware makes innovative use of fold-forming and he has developed a method of creating curved scores which can be used to fold sheet metal in a visually stunning and unique style; his technique has been recognised by Goldsmiths’ Crafts and Design Council with two Gold Awards for Technological Innovation.