Engravings by my hand delight, they endear themselves to the palm of the observer, in the same way they do to his eyes. Myriads of thinnest lines, dots and faces, varied in cut width, depth and angle, create an image in metal. Every motion reflects light in many ways, light which shines in a unique radiance, that enchants and inspires. The heart beholds desires, moments and whole tales, while the head can tell it persists.
hand engraving studio
In general work is done on commission, although some objects are stored in the studio, for viewing pleasure and available for purchase. Engraving your ideas is a welcome challenge and you are encouraged to discuss them with me.
Handgraveur Philipp Tuve Hardenbergstraße 9 16359 Biesenthal- Tel.
- 01 52. 51 83 54 73
- gravur@tuve-design.de
When engraving with a CNC- engraving lathe or laser engraver I am cooperating withGraveurwerkstatt Matthes.
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an hand engraving is made
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concept
Much work is done for the concept, made from your desires, ideas, references, exemplary and drawings. When done to the satisfaction of everyone involved, the engraving will be done so as well. Topics such as motif, size and characteristic are coordinated. Characteristic can be explained thus: a word written with fineliner or reed pen have the same letters but their presence is decidedly different.
If there is a desire for a greater plasticity the engraving can be styled as a relief or the metal can be embossed, as shown on the oak leaves on the label for a trophy display.
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preparations
Shape and size are adjusted for the intended use, e.g. book-fastener for A6-A4-books, then the basic form is sawn from a sheet of metal, deburred, filed, and cleaned.
For a saw pierced engraving additional drilling, sawing, deburring and filing is necessary.
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sliver on sliver
Using a sharp graver I freehand cut thin lines into a metal surface. By changing the manner of holding the tool and minding the form of the cutting edge I set the width, depth and angle of the line cut.
By working this way, the various lines are created, thinnest shining lines, broader shadow-lines and shading, who all influence the engravings effect, from the more linear Flachstich via the graphic-lively Gravur mit Grund to the sculptural relief-engraving
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finishing
For a more darker and deeper back the backdrop is punchmarked, as shown in the picture. The fastener of the brooch was added after engraving and shading had to be reapplied were the fastener was afixed. If desired the engraving can be polished to a mirror finish.
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follow up
Follow up comprises surface treatment, e.g. mat or gloss varnish, and if a darker look is requested a burnish is applied.
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In the past most engravers made prints of their engravings, to compile a sample collection for himself or clients. Today I print my engravings coloured and on various types of paper then they are illustrated with quill, fineliner or coloured paper by Andrea Tuve. These monotypes↵monotypes are viewable on www.tuve-design.de . Some originals and monotypes are on display in exhibit HANDwerk - KunstWERK from 26.09.2025 till 31.12.2025, On the 26.09.25 and 03.10.25 are two days of live showing on how to engrave manually. If interested you can try it for yourself on these days as well.
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the engraver
An eye for beauty, calm hands, knowledgeable patience and the correct tool manually create engravings.
I finished my apprenticeship 2018, at the vocational school: Berufsschule für Büchsenmacher und Graveure in Shul, completed some internships and keep on learning. At the moment I study history at the Humboldt-Universität Berlin and work as engraver.
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