Art of Wax Workshops

Art of Wax: Soft Wax Sculpting
With artist Elsa Tierney

Saturday 9th January 2027
Saturday 6th March 2027
Saturday 5th Jun 2027
10:00 am to 4:00 pm


Following the publication of Art of Wax, we are offering a series of alternative one-day soft wax sculpting workshops in London, led by artist Elsa Tierney. 

This class explores the cross-disciplinary practices of wax sculpting for art and jewellery. Introducing participants to hand forming, texturing, melting, dripping and painting with wax (experimental methods used in art) and applying them to making jewellery or small sculptures. This class offers a rich variety of techniques for developing ideas, and enabling makers to create textured, organic and spontaneous one-of-a-kind pieces, particularly suited to lost-wax casting in precious metals. Whether you are a jeweller, an artist, experienced or a complete beginner, this workshop offers an alternative, alchemical approach to sculpting with wax, encouraging cross-disciplinary, material-led exploration, inspiration and application between art and jewellery.

Focusing on the alchemical qualities of working with soft foundry wax and sheet wax, traditionally used for sculpture. The morning session opens with an introduction to the properties of various waxes used across jewellery and art practices, with guidance given on appropriate tools and safety considerations. You will learn how to develop ideas using wax as a process of maquette making, exploring alternative forming methods, from direct hand working to the use of heat and artist tools. The remainder of the morning is dedicated to becoming familiar with the spontaneous nature of painting and dripping wax, and the morning session concludes at 1:00 pm for lunch.

A buffet lunch will be provided from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm, including bread, charcuterie and cheeses. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

The afternoon session resumes at 1:45 pm, continuing the exploration of form and texture, with a focus on developing individual participant experiments into resolved wax designs ready for casting. The day concludes with a demonstration of spruing for those who wish to learn this important stage in preparing wax models for casting. The class will finish at 4:00 pm.

Please note: casting is not included in the class, however advice, and recommendations for casters will be offered by your tutors. To make the most of the workshop, please bring a sketchbook containing ideas, visual references, or initial concepts, along with any aims you may have for the day. These do not need to be fully developed designs, but simply starting points for exploration.

This workshop offers a full day of hands-on learning, and creative enquiry, centred around the expressive possibilities of soft waxes in a supportive, and engaging environment.

£300 per person including UK VAT.