The Glamorous Owl: Silversmithing Workshops in Newcastle

The Glamorous Owl is an award-winning trade school, book shop and candle shop at 2 Old George Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EZ. It is run by local silversmith Claire Chapman and her team, and sits above a ground-floor gift shop displaying work from more than 40 artists. The shop includes jewellery, leatherwork and art, while the workshop upstairs is where visitors can learn practical silversmithing skills. Google Maps currently shows a 4.8/5 rating from 380 reviews, with customers often mentioning the warm atmosphere and friendly, patient staff.

The main attraction is the range of jewellery-making sessions. Options include Everyday Workshops, Wedding Ring Workshops, Rings & Things Workshops, Spinner Ring Workshops, Saw Piercing Workshops, Stacker Ring Workshops and a Twelve Week Silversmithing Course. Most workshops run for about two hours, although some more detailed jewellery sessions have smaller groups and take longer. You can expect to shape and form the metal, solder it using a naked flame, then file, polish and add a decorative finish. For rings, there are three widths and six finishes, from simple brushed silver to herringbone. Some sessions also include afternoon tea, prosecco and professional photographs.

Reviews regularly describe instructors including Sid, Sarah, Helen and Claire as knowledgeable, professional and encouraging, which should suit beginners who want guidance without feeling rushed. Gift vouchers are available for one or two people and are valid for one year. A two-person voucher requires both attendees to come on the same date, and participants are asked to bring the voucher and arrive ten minutes before the workshop. Prices vary by experience; an old Silver Ring-Making Workshop offer was £39 between 7 February and 2 May 2025, so it should not be treated as a current price. For up-to-date availability and costs, contact the business at theglamorousowl@gmail.com, call 0191 261 7283 or check theglamorousowl.com. The venue is in Old George Yard, close to Newcastle’s independent retail area, and the Google Maps listing is useful for finding the entrance.