Metal sculpture: beginners to intermediate
Learn the techniques required in making sculptural/functional objects in steel: cutting, bending, welding and joining small scale metal. Please bring ideas, inspiration and scrap metal. This course is for beginners and those at intermediate level.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 15 Sep 2025End Date: 20 Oct 2025Mon (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £489.00 Senior fee £391.00 Concession £318.00
- Start Date: 05 Jan 2026End Date: 09 Feb 2026Mon (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £489.00 Senior fee £391.00 Concession £318.00
- Start Date: 11 May 2026End Date: 22 Jun 2026Mon (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £489.00 Senior fee £391.00 Concession £318.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
.
What will we cover?
- A brief look at the work of artists and designers who use fabricated metals in their work.
- Practical demonstrations of a selection of processes.
- How the processes can be used to create a piece of work appropriate to your interests.
- Health and safety issues and an induction into the correct use of equipment.
- Preparation of a design, and construction of a maquette to be used as a pattern for the final piece.
- Production of the finished piece of work, and methods of display.
- Review of the work and processes used through discussion
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use different techniques such as cutting, bending, forming, drilling, bolting and riveting.
- Make work using a welding or soldering process.
- Work safely, following the correct health and safety procedures.
- Design and construct a metal-based object or sculpture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for beginners, as well as those with some experience at intermediate level, who have an interest in design or working sculpturally in metal.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstrations, practical work, technical notes, and instruction as a member of a group or individually, as appropriate to the session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment
General tools and equipment will be provided. The course fee covers most of the cost of materials for sampling and experimentation. If you plan to make a larger piece, you will need to purchase or supply your own materials.
A sketchbook and drawing materials are recommended, and you are welcome to incorporate found ferrous metal objects into your work.
What to Wear
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.
Health and Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.
Important Safety Notice – Pacemakers
The use of the plasma cutter may pose a serious risk to individuals with pacemakers. For your safety, if you have a pacemaker, you cannot be in the room while the plasma cutter is in use. Please contact the Sculpture Department before enrolling by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk to discuss this further.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.
Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.
The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
Andrew's practice extends across sculpture, drawing and printmaking, working with a diversity of materials and processes. He graduated from Cheltenham Art College in 1989, receiving his first public sculpture commission in his final year and subsequently developed a professional career including several public and museum based artworks, residencies and commissions. Later diversifying into product design, modelmaking and theatre/tv equiped him with a comprehensive skill base in making and 3d problem solving. Since establishing his studio practice in West London Andrew has concentrated on sculpture and bespoke design in metal merging modernist Euoropean and Japanese influences, whilst maintaining a commitment to advancing the practice of sculpture as an educator within the sculpture community. He is represented by NoonPowell Fine Art and examples of his wider practice can be on Axisweb.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.