Master Goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough to Lead Wax Carving Masterclass at PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House
Venue
When
Audience
Category
Master Goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough to Lead Wax Carving Masterclass at PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House
26th - 27th April 2026
PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House, 53 Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PE
An internationally respected jewellery designer, consultant, sculptor and author will lead a two-day jewellery masterclass in County Durham this spring, offering makers the exciting opportunity to learn the intricate art of wax carving from a master in the field.
On 26-27 April, PeaceGold will host the specialist workshop at its Ethical Jewellery House in Bishop Auckland, led by Russell Lownsbrough - a Fellow and former Chair of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths and a long-standing judge for the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.
The masterclass will focus on wax carving, a centuries-old sculptural technique used by jewellers to create highly detailed designs before casting them in precious metal. Participants will spend two full days exploring the craft through demonstrations, guided practice and one-to-one troubleshooting.
The workshop is designed to welcome a broad range of participants - from beginners encountering carving wax for the first time to experienced jewellers hoping to refine their sculptural approach. Participants are invited to describe their prior experience with wax carving so the session can be tailored carefully to the group’s needs.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Lownsbrough established his studio immediately after completing his degree in Jewellery Design in 1991. Over more than three decades he has worked with many of the UK’s major jewellery companies and become widely known for his figurative designs and exceptionally fine detail. He is also recognised as the first person to specialise in gold body-piercing jewellery, and is the author of a widely used book on wax carving for jewellery.
This masterclass forms part of PeaceGold’s ongoing programme of workshops and events aimed at sharing traditional jewellery skills and fostering collaboration within maker communities.
Founded by award-winning jewellery campaigner Greg Valerio MBE, PeaceGold is a ground-breaking initiative on a mission to transform artisanal gold mining into a force of peace and prosperity in conflict-affected Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With the recent opening of its Ethical Jewellery House – a retail space, community hub and making workshop – PeaceGold now works at the intersection between mining communities in the DRC and communities of designers and makers here in the UK.
“Not only do we elevate the bravery and resilience of our PeaceGold cooperative members in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we actively promote ethical jewellery as the future of our trade,” Valerio says.
Event Details
26 – 27th April 2026 | 10am – 4pm
PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House, 53 Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PE
£300 (includes all tools, materials and refreshments)
Places are limited for an intimate learning experience. To book, please email greg@peacegold.org
