Repoussé with Willow Bloomfield

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In this What is… series, we asked makers to unpack one key term, material or technique that’s central to their craft. We spoke to Emerging Maker Willow Bloomfield to learn more about repoussé — a centuries-old method for shaping metal that’s still going strong today.

Can you introduce yourself and your craft practice?

My name is Willow Bloomfield, I am an artist-metalsmith working in Bristol. I make sculptural work using a combination of traditional metalsmithing techniques such as hammer forming and Repoussé and scientific approaches I have developed through research and experimentation.

Repoussé (reh-poo-SAY)

Repoussé is a way of decorating metal by gently pushing and shaping it from both the front and the back. This makes the design stand out from the surface, kind of like a picture popping out of the metal.

It works best with soft metals like copper, silver, or gold.

The word repoussé comes from French and means to push back. People have used this technique for hundreds of years to make beautiful jewellery, artwork, and decorations.

Unlike carving, repoussé doesn’t cut into the metal or take any away. Instead, it moves the metal around to make shapes and textures.

How is repoussé used in craft, and why is it important?

Repoussé is used to make decorative designs on metal. Artists and craftspeople can use it to create patterns, pictures, or textures on things such as jewellery, vessels, picture frames, and even armor!

It’s important because it allows people to turn a flat sheet of metal into something beautiful and detailed without cutting or melting, so the sheet stays as one piece. Repoussé helps tell stories through art, and every piece can be totally unique. Even today, people still use it to make handmade metal art that shows creativity and skill.

What is the history behind repoussé?

Repoussé is one of the oldest metalworking techniques in the world! People were using it over 3,000 years ago in ancient Greece and Egypt.

Some famous historical examples include:

  • Ancient Egyptian jewellery and gold masks
  • Greek and Roman armour and coins
  • The beautiful bronze doors of old cathedrals in Europe

Over the centuries, many cultures used repoussé to decorate important objects and show their beliefs, values, and styles. Because of this, repoussé is not just an art form — it’s a way to learn about history, culture, and craftsmanship.

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