A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

15 Jun 16'

Sheri-Leigh reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had an absolutely fantastic day with Adrian and co. Great welcome, fabulous food and expert tuition and support throughout the day. This was a brilliant birthday present and I cannot recommend highly enough."

13 Jun 16'

Jonathan Roskell reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Where do I start? I wasn't quite sure what to expect before I arrived, but Debbie warmly greeted us all with hot drinks, and homemade biscuits. Andy and Adrian were friendly, approachable, helpful and patient showing us what to do. Some of the results of other attendees were impressive, whilst mine was perhaps a bit hit and miss. However it really didn't matter as I enjoyed the day so much. Great tasty, hearty, healthy food for lunch. What is not to like. Cannot recommend this course enough."

13 Jun 16'

Jess reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Could not recommend this course enough! We drove down on the morning and were greeted by Adrian, Andy and Debbie with tea and lovely biscuits. We had a friendly introduction and then got stuck in. Adrian demonstrated really clearly how to do the tasks in doable chunks and then we had all the tools and equipment to do it individually, with just the right amount of supervision and guidance; I always felt like I had done it all myself. The projects we made looked great, and we had a fantastic day. It was certainly worth the cost, and the meal we had at lunchtime was absolutely brilliant- just what we needed after the hard work! Couldn't fault this course at all, looking forward to going back!"

12 Jun 16'

Len Shield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi this was my first taste of Blacksmithing since leaving school 50 years ago. The day did not disappoint, brilliant from start to finish with excellent tuition from Adrian and his associate. Tea and home made biscuits to start the day followed by the obligatory health and safety then down to the first small project to get you into the feel of the forge and heat. Good practical demonstration instruction, stage by stage, followed by an excellent home made lunch and local cheese then back to the heat of the forge and the completion of the Dragon coat hanger. Every one was friendly and helpful. Do not miss this course. I will be back for more. Len Shield"

8 Jun 16'

David Laycock reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was the second course I have completed and can highly recommend it, I look forward to the next one. Adrian and Andy run an informative, hands on, yet relaxed course perfect for novices like myself. Debbie's lunch and treats were delicious too! Thanks again."

8 Jun 16'

Dr Brad Kirkland reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I came on the beginner's course to get a taste for it because I research fourteenth century armour smiths. Adrian & co. were fantastic the entire time each time I've been out, and now I've made my own tools and am hoping that someone will not be able to make it to a future booked course so that I can take their spot. The first course introduced some basics and gave me the chance to make some gifts for family back home. By the second course I felt a lot more confident in what I was doing, but they still were right there with help and direction whenever it was needed. And of course there's Debbie's excellent food that everyone raves about in these reviews."

8 Jun 16'

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was the third course I have done with Adrian, Andy and Debbie. It's a full day starting with a brew and biscuits then after the safety briefing and a demo by Adrian it's time to put the steel in the fire and start hammering. Each step is demonstrated by Adrian and both Andy and Adrian are constantly on hand to point you in to the right direction. At lunchtime Debbie puts a great spread on of very tasty food but be warned, there is a lot of it. After lunch it's back to the fire and hammers then at finish time it's a hot or cold drink with a large slice of cake. This course was the tool making course, a pair of tongs and a couple of punches. What was particularly good was making the punch then using it to punch the rivet hole in the tongs. It is really satisfying to use a tool that you have made from scratch to make a more advanced tool. After 3 courses I have the tools and enough knowledge to make more tools and go on to make other items too. Thank you Adrian, Debbie and Andy. I will be back next year."

10 May 16'

Darren Heron reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Very friendly and fun day. Help was there when needed without feeling like your hand was being held constantly. I'd recommend it to anyone if they have ever fancied having a go."

2 May 16'

David Billett reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course, a birthday gift (73), arrived as a complete surprise. Without any previous experience, I found it hugely enjoyable and fulfilling . Adrian and Andy created an excellent teaching and learning environment - very informative, supportive and relaxed throughout, encouraging good interaction between all the participants. Debbie provided a lovely lunch and refreshments. We were kept busy all day and I was pleased with my coat rack. Many thanks to you all. I would certainly like to return for another course."

1 May 16'

Jenni reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This blacksmith beginners day course was an inspired Christmas present from my children because they remembered that I had said that I fancied having a go. It didn't disappoint. The welcome was lovely, tuition excellent, food fantastic and the finished products that we made are amazing. Adrian, Debbie and Andy run a great relaxed course and I am already planning what I will make next when I go back for another go. Can't recommend it highly enough!"

11 Apr 16'

John Lower reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An excellent day. Ever since I went to the local blacksmiths as a small child, I have wanted to have a go. But I have had to wait until in my sixties. My wife bought me the taster course as a surprise Christmas present and it was everything I hoped it would be. Adrian and Andy were excellent teachers. After a few minutes instruction I was forging metal - hard work but very satisfying and most enjoyable. I am planning to go again on the "Design your own project" weekend. I should also mention the food was excellent, especially the sponge cake with afternoon tea!"

11 Apr 16'

Paul reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A brilliant day on the 'Taster' Blacksmithing course, which was all I envisaged, and more. Great demonstrations from Adrian, excellent support in the projects from Adrian & Andy, and fabulous tasty food from Debbie. Really enjoyed the day, and great to take your own creations home with you to treasure and remember the day. Hoping I will get the chance to return and do more. I have already recommended this course to several people. Great value and great people!"

10 Apr 16'

Darren Foster reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"well my crimbo pressies was well worth waiting for. what a brilliant day, well organised, fun, very knowledgeable training staff and Debbie food was good aswell lol. must forget the boss well done Debbie for making my crimbo pressie a very good memory (that i want to do again) i have always liked forge work from when i did it at school all of 33 yrs ago, how you can see a bit of rod in front of you and you can make it into a nice object in the end of the day when i found out i had this from my wife i had looked forward to it, i told a mate who said if its any good he wouldn't mind doing it, after letting him no how good it was we both are planing on another visit. the place is a barn with all the equipment that you would need for the day 4 forges a anvil each and all carried out in a safe and relaxed area, the day starts at 9 ish and you leave about 430 ish your shown how and why things are done before you play then regrouped for different stages of the projects you have a break for lunch all home made to a high standard and freshly made, then back to the forge to finish the project off the overall day is very good and i would like to say to Debbie , Adrian and Andy keep up the good work and hope to see you soon Darren"

4 Apr 16'

Mark Hillman reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a fantastic day at the forge and would recomend it to anyone . Adrian, Debbie and Andy, Adrian's able assistant, made everyone feel welcome from the word go. Whether your a beginner or have some experiance the level of instruction is pitched just right, with you soon hammering the hot metal into shape. The day simply flew by with lots of tea or coffee and at lunch time Debbie provided an outstanding meal to keep us going for the remainder of the day. The day is so relaxing, you just don't realise that you are working so hard to form that amazing finished article you eventualy leave for home with. The whole experience has left me hungry to learn more and I know I will be back at the forge in the not to distant future. If like me you have looked at many different websites about blacksmithing wondering who to choose from, take my advice and book your course with Adrian. you wont regret it."

3 Apr 16'

Richard Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic experience I've always wanted to have a go but what a perfect place to start Adrian and Debbie certainly know how to put on a perfect course nothing being a trouble . Debbie really does know her stuff when it comes to home baking Victoria sponge to die for and apple crumble wow . Adrian and his assistant kept his eye on all of the group with a great sense of humer and expert advice . It was a perfect day and will be back and would recommend it to all . We all made a large flower forged the leaves made the petals . When I arrived home with it under my arm the look on my wife's face priceless . Thanks again will be booking again . Richard"

3 Apr 16'

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day. This is the second course I have done with Adrian, Debbie and Andy. The day starts with a warm welcome and a hot drink and an informal chat where you get to know the others on the course and the organisers. Then it's in to it, a H&S briefing from Aidy followed by a demonstration of the first process then you pick your fire and anvil and put your first bit of steel in the coals. The next 3 to 4 hours are spent heating and hammering various bits of steel with Aidy and Andy moving between forges giving hints and tips and having a laugh and a joke with us all. Then it's lunch time and Debbie puts on a great spread. After lunch it's back to the heat and hammers. The day finishes with a hot or cold drink and a big slice of cake as we all inspect each others work and have a bit of a Q&A with Andy and Aidy. I (well my wife) is now the proud owner of a 4ft tall garden flower. Looking forward to my next course with these guys."

3 Apr 16'

David Thompson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was so good the first time I've come back again and I've spent a very enjoyable day, learnt a lot from the experts, had a great welcome and an excellent feed. And I've made a work of art!!. What more could you ask for, I wholeheartedly recommend the experience"

15 Mar 16'

Mark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was great from start to finish. From an extremely warm welcome to great tutors, home-cooked and hearty food(Thanks again Debbie! Was yummy!) to plentiful supply of tea and coffee, the beginner's course made for an outstanding day of learning! I was bought this as a gift as a 30th birthday present after being interesting in having a go at blacksmithing for a while, and had a brilliant day learning the basic techniques and having my first taste of forging. The two tutors, Adrian and Andy were knowledgeable and encouraging with both the information needed at each stage and tips for how to improve, or in my case adjust when mistakes were made. The course was attended by a greatly diverse group of people, of a range of ages and throughout the day there was plenty of chances to chat and get to know everybody. The level of instruction was such that within a very short space of time we were picking up the techniques needed and were straight into making the first of the items that we got to take home at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, and highly intend to book in again to do one of the follow-on courses!"

14 Mar 16'

Amanda reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had such a good time and never thought I would be able to make the items I did. Andy and Adrian are really good at judging how much help we needed, without stepping in too frequently. It was amusing to realise just how expert they are when a demo that took 5 minutes kept us busy on the task for an hour...I guess much practice makes perfect. The food made by Debbie was just great. Great to try something completely new and combine bashing the hell out of the metal with delicate and subtle touches! I loved it, laughed a lot and will definitely sign up again. Thank you."

14 Mar 16'

Gemma & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had a brilliant day yesterday with Adrian & Andy. They were so patient and knowledgeable, taking us through step by step what we would be making. They definitely make it look easy! We made a dragon coat hooks & snail keyring, which we were very proud of. We left The Forge feeling proud, achey, full of cake and ready to make more! Big thanks to Debbie for the yummy food. We will definitely be back!!"

13 Mar 16'

Larissa Llewellin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An absolutely brilliant day! Everything is explained really well and help and advice given throughout the day. We learned various techniques and how to use different tools. Everyone was very friendly. The food was amazing! And there was plenty of it. It really was a fantastic day and I would do it again. I would also recommend!"

11 Mar 16'

Sam, Mark & Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day. My husband and son thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are quite proud of what they made. Both hankering for another day course, try making something else. The lunch and home made cake and snacks were fantastic, thank you Debbie!!"

1 Mar 16'

Jak H reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had an absolutely brilliant day! Adrian and Andrew were both very helpful and knowledgeable. They talk you through every step and help if you aren't sure what to do.. The biscuits and flapjacks Debbie had made on arrival were absolutely lovely as was the lunch. I felt very welcomed by everyone I met at the farm and will definitely be coming back for some other courses. 10/10."

28 Feb 16'

Clare Wootton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Just back from a great day hammering hot metal into shapes resembling key rings & coats hooks! It looked so straightforward when Adrian demonstrated each step! Adrian and Andy were good, helpful instructors. The food was fantastic - home baked biscuits, flapjacks, cake & a very tasty veggie lunch accompanied by local cheeses and followed by a wonderful crumble. I came home having produced a key ring, dragon coat hook & leaf hook with which I was very pleased. I would definitely recommend this day."

24 Feb 16'

Martin Graham reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day, great food! Spent an excellent day at Hornby. Learnt a lot (its not all about hitting as herd as you can; some of it is quite subtle). Excellent food and good craic. These courses are well well worth a go!! Many thanks."