CONTACT
THE SECONDARY SCHOOL OF APPLIED ARTS AND THE COLLEGE OF CRAFT TURNOV
The first Central European school where professionals were trained in the treatment of precious stones was established in Turnov in 1884. The date of its foundation ranks it among the oldest secondary art schools in Bohemia. Its origins lie with the natural necessities of the gem industry, which was the most important source of living in Turnov and its surroundings in the 19th century.
For that reason the Stone Cutting and Stone Engraving department opened there and was soon followed by Jewellery and Silver-smithy.
Later development of the school called for founding of other branches in the second half of the 20th century.
CONTACT
tel. +420 481 321 232 , fax/tel: +420 481 324 323
adresa: SUPŠ a VOŠ, Skálova 373, 511 01 Turnov, Czech Republic
e-mail: skola@sups.info
Today’s Secondary School of Applied Arts offers five study areas:
The school has had a lot of home and foreign appreciation and awards. Its graduates include professionals working both alone and in association or workshops.
GEM CUTTING AND ENGRAVING
THE JEWELLERY AND SILVER – SMITHY
FLAT AND PLASTIC ENGRAVING
THE ARTISTIC SMITHY AND LOCK–SMITHY
ARTISTIC METAL CASTING.
GEM CUTTING AND ENGRAVING
It is the oldest department in our school and has helped to create the famous and living tradition of gem cutting in Turnov that continues to the present day. This branch offers instruction in a wide gamut of work techniques, determination, research, and the production of natural and synthetic stones.
During the course of study, students develop a foundation of flat and three – dimensional engraving, and the facet grinding of gems. Students are also able to apply their inspiration to a contemporary use the stone in jewerly. Decorative ornamental sculptures are typical of their work, as are chamber sculptures. A wide demand for our graduates shows the favourable prospects of study in this the program.
THE JEWELRY AND SILVER – SMITHY
Students meet with precious metals, stones, and other materials used in the production of jewellery and decorative objects such as rings, earrings, pins, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants.
They acquire craft techniques needed in practical professional life. Each goldsmith is able to designing a set of jewelry which continually develops his talent. The student should accurately recognize all kinds of minerals and their functional application in contemporary jewerly.
Skilled craftsmen, specialists in their branches, give the lectures. The artistic and craft level of the department is very high.
FLAT AND PLASTIC ENGRAVING
Students acquire basic engraving techniques including flat and decorative engraving such as writing, decorative engraving of precious metals, sealing, lithography in gold, blind lithography, three- dimensional dies in steel, and different dies for enamel products. Depending on skill and effort of the students, they are able to make copies of historical medals or to create their own new medals. All their work involves designing and realising in steel. Creating copper and steel plates used for the production of stamps and banknotes finishes the study of flat engraving. Graduates of the department successfully work in the fields of medals and in the production of stamps and bills.
ARTISTIC METAL CASTING
It is our newest department, students meet with the many features of cast material and metallurgy. They explore the technology of the final touch, the principles of conserving, and the restoration of casts. Students improve by designing and creating new projects, duplicating craft objects, and free figural sculpture as well. They are taught how to prepare forming mixture, to form models and casts, and a final finishing of the casts. The students from this program are ready to continue studying at university.
THE ARTISTIC SMITHY AND LOCK – SMITHY
Contrary to popular belief, our department does not demand a robust figure and physical strength, so which students are truly successful in the smithy? The ones who are deeply interested in the craft and are satisfied with their projects. The first examples of designing are often candlesticks, fireplace tools, and more difficult objects such as forged household objects, light fixtures, and minute figural sculptures. Some compositions are based on animal themes, others on more or less difficult kinds of architectural accessories, for example, bars, banisters and sculptures.
Students acquire the techniques of exact lock – work with metal in their workshop. Later they meet with the smith techniques, decorative techniques, work with a turning lathe, a milling cutter, and also with welding.
The leaving examination projects are displayed at Helfštýn Castle every year.