The Studioat Wirksworth

Susannah Brookes runs The Studio at Wirksworth from the Institute Buildings on North End, making and teaching silver jewellery in the same room where she sells finished pieces. She first tried silversmithing after a friend bought her a day's taster session, then began running her own classes from a home studio in Nottingham before moving the operation to Wirksworth. Beginner experiences run as a half day or full day and are capped at three people at a time, leaving room for one-to-one instruction at the bench rather than a lecture format. Participants either follow a set project, such as a silver wrap ring, or bring their own idea and work through it with guidance. Refreshments and cake are included, though visitors bring their own lunch. The studio also runs monthly themed workshops and sells Susannah's own sustainable jewellery designs.