A Brief History of the Mid Cornwall
School of Jewellery

Founded in 2001, the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery is the only independent school of its type in Cornwall. With classes for all abilities, the school caters for total beginners as well as more experienced students. Established jewellers no longer have to travel all the way to London or Birmingham for specialist training as the school organises advanced technique classes based on demand from working jewellers.

Initially assisted by the governments' New Deal scheme and the Mid Cornwall Enterprise Trust, the business was set up and ran in the centre of St Austell at a workshop in High Cross Street. The school was used by training agencies such as Ultra Training to encourage young people to broaden their skills in the craft field.

To see pictures of the High Cross Street Workshop, click here.

The school received a grant from The South West Investment Group, which helped to finance the set up of our website.

The High Cross St workshop in St Austell

In late 2004 the school moved from St Austell to Treesmill Farm where it has operated since then. It was converted from a barn into a purpose build workshop.

When the new workshop was completed, we had an opening party.

Since moving to Treesmill Farm in 2004, the school has played host to some of the most well known international jewellery teachers. Our jewellery making Masterclasses continue to break new ground and attract top talent from around the world.

 

The schools' proprietor and primary tutor Lisa Cain has over 10 years experience of working with jewellery and is currently teaching the Adult Education class in jewellery at St Austell College.

Lisa began making jewellery at evening classes back in 1991 and continued for several years before going on to study at Plymouth College of Art and Design.

An apprenticeship with craftsman jeweller Ralph Rowe further strengthened Lisa's making skills and when Ralph opened his shop in 1997 Lisa took over teaching his evening classes at St Austell College.

With a natural flair and passion for teaching Lisa then went on to broaden her skills by studying for a teaching certificate, health and safety risk assessors award and a first aid certificate. "These courses gave me the knowledge I needed to be able to teach confidently and safely."

 

 

The school is based near St Austell in Cornwall, UK and all classes run in our well equipped workshop.