Public Masterclass: Curb Chain (Afternoon)

Discover the repetitive rhythm and sturdy beauty of curb chain making with jeweller and chain specialist Lucie Gledhill.

In this masterclass, you'll explore how chain gains both strength and flexibility as it grows link by link. Beginning with a simple piece of copper wire, learn how to coil and cut your own links, joining them together using silver solder. Through the methodical repetition of closing, soldering, forming and twisting, you’ll leave this masterclass having built your own section of classic curb chain.

Lucie Gledhill is a jeweller whose practice centres around chain making. After researching repetition and meditative making during her MA at the Royal College of Art, chain making became central to her work - with curb chain being the first pattern she fell in love with. Obsessed with chains tactile process and the conceptual themes embedded in their forms, Lucie continues to explore the materials narrative and structural possibilities through ongoing work with rope, spiga and trace chain.

Image courtesy of Institute of Making.

Important information about our ballot system for this event:

We are using a randomised ballot system for this event.

Our ballot will go live on Monday 28th September at 05:00. To be in with a chance of joining us, select as many masterclasses as you are interested in attending and submit your entry before Sunday 11th October at 23:59. Please note: it makes no difference when you submit your entry; entering early does not increase your chances of securing a space. All places will be offered at random.

If successful, you will be emailed a link to book a space on one masterclass from Monday 12th October 2026. Successful applicants will have 24 hours to book their slot; however, if you do not book within 24 hours, your place will be offered to someone else. Even if you have selected multiple masterclasses on your submission, you will only be able to book one masterclass. This masterclass will be pre-chosen for you at random from your selection. 

If you are interested in attending our research talk and/or Materials Library tour, this will not affect your chances of gaining a slot on a masterclass, and will not count towards your one masterclass booking.

Once all tickets are fully booked by the ballot winners, we will notify everyone who signed up and offer them the opportunity to join our waiting list for last-minute dropouts.

This masterclass is suitable for ages 18+.

Everyone at UCL is welcome in our spaces. We strive to make all of our processes accessible, including attending our events and workshops, and using our website and booking systems. Please message us if you have any questions or requirements, or need assistance using our platforms. We'll be happy to help.

We're always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our activities. Please contact events@instituteofmaking.org.uk if you'd like to chat.