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Duration: 1 Day 9.30-4.00 pm approx
Price: £140
Run by:
David Southgate
at
Forge Four Blacksmithing
About the Course
A Blacksmithing Experience Day at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet in Sheffield.
I have been running this course for a year or so now, and it is designed as an introduction to the wonderful craft of Blacksmithing for those with no prior experience. It takes place in my 200 year old forge at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Museum in Sheffield.
You will learn fire and hammer control, as well as a number of traditional blacksmithing techniques such as drawing out, bending, twisting, punching and hot cutting. You will be guaranteed to take home at least one finished article (typically a hook, poker, toasting fork etc.), made by you, in a traditional Blacksmith's forge.
Your tutor will be the resident Blacksmith, David Southgate, who has studied the craft at Cold Hanworth forge in Lincolnshire, and received a Diploma from the National School of Blacksmithing in Hereford.
The course is open to all aged 16+ who can swing a hammer... I can cater for one or two people, please get in touch with any specific requirements.
If booking with a CraftCourses voucher for part or all of the course fee, please fill in the contact form above or telephone us. Your voucher code must be provided at the point of booking.
What's included in the price?
Steel, coke for the forge, use of all tools, aprons, gloves and safety glasses is included in the price.
I also provide tea or coffee and biscuits (including jaffa cakes if you are lucky!) I don't provide lunch, but the museum has a cafe on site which does toasties, sandwiches, cake coffee etc. Or you can bring a packed lunch.
You will need to wear sturdy shoes or boots and natural fibre clothing (not nylon) with long trousers (jeans are fine). A hat and several layers is a good idea too. Forges are not as hot as people expect, especially in winter!
Had a great day at Abbeydale Hamlet learning the basics of Blacksmithing with Dave! We were able to learn techinques in the morning that allowed us to make what we wanted in the afternoon. David was really friendly and helpful - had a brilliant day! Would definitely recommend to everyone.
James - - #18426
We had a really good day with David in AbbeyDale Hamlet, amazing setting for a great course! Able to make 2 projects during the day and learn lots of different techniques. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and different activity with friends/family. We loved it. Thanks David!
Becky - - #18423
Myself and a friend attended the course with David and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great that he taught us the skills whilst actually making our first piece rather than practicing on bits of scrap first. We both came away buzzing about it and made a J hook plus a unique bottle opener that was immediately put to use as soon as we got home! Would recommend 100%.
Spencer Pullin - - #17989
Was looking for a birthday treat for my friend, who I don't see as often as I should, and suggested a day blacksmithing might be something a bit different. We had a fantastic day, got totally immersed in the activity, and came away with some great memories and a fabulous momento made by our own hands (with a little bit of 'fixing' from David!) The historic setting of the museum was really special, and it was great fun to chat with some of the visitors during the day. David really knows his stuff, and has put a lot of thought into the techniques he tries to teach over the course of the day to give you a really good first taste of blacksmithing. He was very kind and patient with us, and we had some good laughs too.
Emma Crarer - - #16989
Everything about the blacksmith experience exceeded my expectations, I spent 2 excellent ( and busy ! ) days with David I came away thrilled at having been able to have followed his professional and inspiring tuition to have been able to produce a much admired and treasured piece of forged metal work. David is passionate at his craft and relates it to his "apprentice" in step by step stages building confidence and competence, thank goodness that the skills of the forge from times past are being carried by people like him to the future, its in good hands . The location at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet could not be more sympathetic as you are immediately immersed within the enclave of what once was a thriving hub of the hand crafted metal products industry of days gone by , but the buildings and contents remain to allow to take a little trip back in time and inspire for what lies ahead on the experience day with David within the whitewashed walls of his 200 year old forge. Loved it .
Philip Murphy - - #15642
Course dates are flexible; please get in touch for the next available date.
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