Silversmith's Secrets

Absolutely fascinating book. A must for anyone with a passion for fixing things.

I have long been an avid viewer of the TV programme The Repair Shop so I was quite thrilled when I heard that the resident silversmith, Brenton West had written a book about his trade.

The book is a fascinating insight into the silversmith’s trade and contains a wealth of information written in a very accessible format.

This book is not just about silversmithing but is aimed at anyone who has an interest in fixing things.

The book begins with an introduction to Brenton’s early years and how his passion blossomed for fixing things. The next section is a guide to various metals and their properties and melting points. Following on from this Brenton talks about what is a hallmark and how to identify them, which I found particularly interesting.

I found the section on tools really interesting and useful as it not only provides a wealth of photos of the tools Brenton uses for his trade but also a description and the use of each tool.

The next section of the book covers Core Skills, which leads nicely on from the last section and provides really good insights into the use of his tools, for example cutting with a piercing saw, soldering and repairing dents in items using hammers.

In the final section Brenton talks about a number of projects that arrive at his workshop daily. For each project he lists the item, aim, difficulty of repair and the tools you will need to complete the repair. Each project comes with photos and descriptions of the various steps needed to complete the repair.

This book has helped to rekindle a passion I had when I was younger for taking things to pieces to find out how they work and has brought back memories of my school days in metalworking lessons using the school forge to create wrought iron work and making sand moulds to pour molten metal into to create various items. Thank you Brenton.

– Gary Harris * Customer Review *

The book reflects the passion Brenton has had for making and repairing since childhood.

… Step-by-step photographs and descriptions in the book of some of Brenton’s favourite projects show what can be achieved. 

– u3a matters magazine * Issue 61 *

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to fix, repair or improve household items. If it’s broken, more often than not it can be repaired. Filled with in-depth technical information on tools, techniques and metals, we learn to diagnose problems, apply repairs and make good almost any precious items.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

A silversmith and precious metal expert, Brenton West is happiest when he is making or restoring something. He excelled during his silversmith training at Medway College of Art & Design, and after graduating had exhibitions at The Ritz, Goldsmiths’ Hall and the London Design Centre. He has since gone on to exhibit at many prestigious galleries and museums.

Being well aware of the therapeutic benefits of being creative, Brenton shares his passion for making and craft with as wide an audience as possible through his broadcasting and as a teacher of adults and children. Brenton joined the BBC’s The Repair Shop programme as their specialist silversmith and precious metals expert. Alongside his television and radio work Brenton works on private commissions – all kinds of metals, artefacts and eras. He has been lucky enough to work on notable items created by famous makers and designers such as Fabergé, Hester Bateman, Paul Storr, Mappin & Webb, Georg Jensen and Asprey.