The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) has been offering classes to the public since the 1950s. The award-winning classes are taught by professional watchmakers weekly in New York City and further the Society’s mission by making horological education accessible and enjoyable for the public. Today, HSNY launches its latest educational endeavor: Engine Turning (Guilloché) Classes. The first installment of this limited-series curriculum will be taught by a well-known expert of the art, Brittany Nicole Cox.
Brittany Nicole Cox
Engine turning, also known as guilloché, is an intricate art form that has adorned fine timepieces, jewelry, and decorative items for centuries. With a rich history dating back to the 1500s, engine turning is a craft practice that spans many cultures, disciplines, and design philosophies.
"Our Engine Turning Classes represent a fusion of tradition and innovation," said Carolina Navarro, Deputy Director at the Horological Society of New York. "In an age dominated by digital technologies, there's a growing appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and tactile experiences that engine turning offers. We aim to preserve this cherished art form through these classes while inspiring a new generation of artisans."
HSNY’s specialized classes are intended to introduce participants to the mesmerizing world of engine turning, while opening the door for a more in-depth curriculum to develop in the future. Led by Brittany Nicole Cox, students will have the opportunity to engage in two levels of introductory engine turning.
Participants will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of topics, including:
History and evolution of engine turning
Fundamental principles of guilloché patterns
Hands-on experience with engine turning machines
HSNY’s Engine Turning Classes with Brittany Nicole Cox are scheduled for:
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (2-hour course)
Friday, April 26, 2024 (2-hour course)
Saturday, April 27, 2024 (5-hour course)
Design examples produced by engine turning!
Small class sizes (6 students max) ensure personalized instruction and ample opportunity for practical learning. HSNY’s classroom is equipped with two engine turning machines — a Uhrlinger rose engine from the 1860s and a straight-line mill machine from the 1920s. Both are on long-term loan from HSNY Trustee and horologist Aldis Hodge. For weekday classes, students will decorate a pendant or spinning top that they can take home with them. For the weekend course, students will decorate two double-sided medallions with unique patterns and take a deep dive into the history and application of engine turning. Enroll today at http://hs-ny.eventbrite.com/.
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About Brittany Nicole Cox
Brittany Nicole Cox is an artist, antiquarian horologist, guillocheuse, and scholar based in Seattle. Her lifelong passion for horology has seen her through nine years in higher education where she earned her WOSTEP, CW21, and SAWTA watchmaking certifications, two clockmaking certifications, and a Masters in the Conservation of Clocks and Related Dynamic Objects from West Dean College, UK. She founded Memoria Technica in 2015 where she teaches, makes original work, and operates her conservation studio. Her work has been shown at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and was featured in National Geographic and two feature-length documentaries. She has written for Vanity Fair and is working on a manuscript to be published by Penguin Press.
About the Horological Society of New York
Founded in 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is one of the oldest continuously operating horological associations in the world. Today, HSNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education. Members are a diverse mix of watchmakers, clockmakers, executives, journalists, auctioneers, historians, salespeople and collectors, reflecting the rich nature of horology in New York City and around the world. http://hs-ny.org