Blacksmithing Introductory Course
Description
Blacksmithing is a trade that used to be found in every village and has been at the heart of countryside life for hundreds of years. The day starts with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety and the tools. During the day you will be learning basic skills from a full-time professional blacksmith. Skills covered include taking a heat, drawing out, scrolling, and twisting. To learn these processes you will make a S-hook, a key-fob, a bottle opener, and a decorative toasting fork. These items can be tailored to suit individual physical abilities whilst still teaching the same skills. All items can be taken home after the workshop. This day is suitable for everyone. Blacksmithing is about technique and making sure the steel is heated to the right temperature before working it …. not about using heavy hammers and hitting the metal very hard! The course is limited to just 4 participants so that each person has their own anvil to work on throughout the day. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course but must be supervised by an adult. Please note: hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire. Your tutor for the day is John Wills, who has been running a professional forge for nine years & has been teaching blacksmith skills since 2017. He specialises in making historical reproductions in iron, steel, copper and brass for museums and re-enactors. As a member of the Heritage Craft Association, John is actively involved in promoting and preserving metalwork skills and traditions that would otherwise be lost. The course will take place in our training barn at Stanwick Lakes, a beautiful 750-acre nature reserve and visitor attraction in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
What's included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Basic tea /coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course. Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch. Car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Romantic
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Christmas
- Parking provided
- Easter
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Father's Day
- Stag dos
- Mother's Day
- Hen dos
