The Jewellers Bench

at the Château

The Cognac Jewellery School invites jewellers and silversmiths to immerse themselves in our exclusive summer programme of self-directed residencies. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Château de Puyguiller in South-West France, this unique opportunity allows artisans to refine their skills, explore their creativity, and connect with fellow jewellers in an artist-led environment.

Are you a complete beginner or not quite ready for an independent residency? Check out our week-long Beginners Foundation Course, available to book now!

The Jewellers Bench at the Château de Puyguiller offers visiting jewellers and silversmiths the opportunity to develop and refine their practice in a dedicated workspace providing calm, uninterrupted focus within in a beautiful french countryside setting.  

The Château and Grounds

  • The Chateau Courtyard

  • The Drive at Sunset

  • Outside Dining in the Jardin

  • View from the Workshop

  • By the Swimming Pool

  • The Back Gardens

  • The Central Courtyard

  • The Pool at Night

  • The South Tower

  • The Jardin de Curé in the morning

  • The Front Gardens

  • The Archway

  • The Grounds and Vines

  • Rainbow over the Pond

  • Nestled in the Cognac Vines

  • Place de Puyguiller

Whether you want to hone your practice, design new collections, experiment with new ideas, or simply take some time out to relax and focus on your own creative development, everything you need can be found in this beautiful and relaxed setting in the French Countryside.

The Workshop and Facilities

  • The Workshop

  • Hammers and Pliers

  • Double Rolling Mill

  • Electric Kiln for Silver Clay and Enamelling

  • Jewellery Punches

  • Silversmithing Stakes, Steel Plate and Draw Plates

  • Gemstone Setting Hand Tools

  • Steel Mandrels for Rings, Bangles, and Silverware

  • Individual Soldering Stations

  • Hydraulic Press

  • Wooden Stump and Sandbag

  • Tools for Silver Clay

  • Wax Carving Tools

  • Anvil

Click here to download the full tools list (PDF)

FAQs

  • You will benefit from:

    • Unlimited studio and tools access

    • On-site technical support should you need it

    • A designated Jewellers Bench for your time here

    • Access to all of the Cognac Jewellery School Online Course Material

    • Basic materials such as flux, polishing compound, 2/0 saw blades etc.

    • Access to the Château grounds

    • Complimentary teas, coffees and refreshments

    • Welcome drinks at the Château on Monday evening

    • Farewell Supper at the Château on Friday

    • Materials

    • Accommodation

    • Travel or transfers

    • Insurance

    • Other Meals

  • The Jewellers Bench at the Château is open to jewellers and silversmiths of all levels, but each applicant must have experience as a maker and be able to work within their chosen discipline safely and independently

  • Jessica will be on-site to help with any technical support you might need.

    You will be given a tour of the workshop on arrival and you will have a chance to familiarise yourself with the tools and equipment you have available to you during your visit.

    While the Jewellers Bench is not a teaching programme, Jessica will be available to offer guidance and answer any questions you have along the way.

  • You will need to provide your own materials for your projects. You can arrange with us to have your materials delivered onsite prior to your arrival.

  • A limited supply of materials is available to buy on-site such as silver sheet, silver ingots, wire, solder, wax, moulding compound etc.

    Sundries such as Flux, pickle, polishing compound and 2/0 saw blades are included in the price.

    We strongly advise you organise delivery of personal materials or bring your materials with you as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide everything that you need.

  • Absolutely! We will help you to order and have delivered any materials you need for your visit so that they are ready and waiting for you arrival

  • Absolutely! There are six jewellers benches in total so you can come with a group of friends.

    Please let us know on application if there are other people in your group so that we can ensure spaces for everyone

  • Please click here to see our location and transport options

  • There are lots of rural places to stay within walking/cycling distance from the Cognac Jewellery School, as well as more urban options within Cognac Town itself. We have put together a list of local accommodation Please click here to browse.

  • While there is some accommodation within walking/cycling distance, The Cognac Jewellery School is located in a rural French setting so it is advisable to hire a car.

    There is plenty of easy parking at the Château itself

  • We advise taking out your own travel insurance

  • Yes there are. You can opt for one, two or three payments. Please Click here to see the prices and payment options

  • The Jewellers Bench residencies run from Monday to Friday throughout June, July and August.

    During that time you will have unlimited access to your Jewellers Bench from 9am on the Monday morning to 7pm on the Friday.

    For bookings of two or three weeks we offer complimentary use of the studio over the weekend (not including the weekend before or after your stay)

    Please click here for the list of available dates

    • Saturday: Arrive at your accommodation

    • Sunday: Rest Day

    • Monday Morning: Arrive at Cognac Jewellery School any time after 9am. Take a tour of the workshop with Jessica and familiarise yourself with the equipment and surroundings.

    • Monday Afternoon: Bench Time

    • Monday Evening: Complimentary Welcome Drinks at the Château with Jessica and any other on-site jewellers

    • Tuesday - Friday: Unlimited Bench Time. Come and go as you please.

    • Friday Evening: 7pm Farewell drinks and dinner at the Château and au revoir

    • Saturday: Relaxation time/departure

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the Jewellers Bench at the Chateau please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the form or via email at hello@cognacjewelleryschool.com