Quinnell School of Blacksmithing reviews

14 Nov 19'

Carey reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"What a challenging, unusual, stimulating and satisfying weekend this turned out to be! Excellent tutoring from Ambrose with great support from Richard and Pauline Quinnell (super lunches, general good cheer and really interesting professional insights ) and help from the skilled and knowledgeable Eamonn in a really memorable setting. I knew aspects of it would be tough (I'm not exactly a natural blacksmith) but I was supported all the way and came home with some lovely pieces that will always remind me of time well spent. A huge thank you to all involved! NB: the banging-nails-into-wood exercise that Richard recommends before you attend the course is well worthwhile."

4 Nov 19'

Kate Howe reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Absolutely fabulous ! I can't believe how much we achieved and how quickly we threw ourselves into it. It's quite astounding what we were able to learn and make in such a short space of time thanks to Peats expert tuition. Whilst physical it is very rewarding and it certainly helps you sleep well! Thanks also to the hospitality of the Quinnell family and for the splendid spread of food. Loved every minute of it … a very special weekend."

3 Nov 19'

Malcolm Leeves reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I did not know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The facilities, surroundings, course and teachers were excellent. It was such a pleasure and honour to be amongst and guided by renown experts in Peat and Eamonn, true experts in the field of black smithing. Richard Quinnell made us all so welcome and worked hard to ensure we were attended to. A fantastic course that I would highly recommend to all ages. Malcolm."

2 Nov 19'

Sam reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"At 15, Sam's ambition is to be a blacksmith and despite a small burn, this experience has made him even more determined. The results that he managed to produce were stunning for someone with no previous experience and he can't wait to join another course in the future. The organisation and tuition was excellent and there was a fantastic friendly atmosphere. Very dirty, very tired, very happy!"

1 Nov 19'

Jim wynn reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I can’t imagine how a course could be any better. All aspects were perfect. When I show people what I achieved, frankly, people can’t believe it. Peat and Eamonn were simply top drawer and the most amazing hosts."

1 Nov 19'

Hilary Leeves reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I bought this course for my husband as a special birthday gift so although I did not participate (he will do his own review) I can say how much he enjoyed the whole experience. “Fantastic tuition in a beautiful setting with a great group.” He found it interesting, fun, rewarding and satisfying. From my point of view the booking experience was efficient, friendly and helpful. If you are looking for an unusual and very special gift for someone I can heartily recommend this course."

1 Nov 19'

Helen Elderfield reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I was a complete novice with no real idea of what to expect when I arrived on Friday afternoon. A fantastic experience and a real sense of achievement was gained on this course. I had a very enjoyable, and somewhat challenging weekend but left with three finished pieces of which I am very proud. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere created by Richard and Pauline Quinnell, who were charming hosts and a joy to spend time chatting with at the lunch breaks, together with Pete's expertise and Eammon's patience and skill combined to enhance the experience no end. Excellent clear instruction and demonstration and a really inclusive approach meant that we all received the level of assistance and encouragement that we needed, when we needed it. A special setting and to top it off a tour of the gallery from Adam at lunchtime on Saturday was an unexpected pleasure. I have already recommended the course to friends and family. Fabulous!"

17 Oct 19'

Ian Williamson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A great introduction to forging with brilliant instructors made for a really fun weekend. This was a gift from my family and I really enjoyed it, can't wait to do it again!"

2 Oct 19'

Nigel Ames reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A thoroughly enjoyable course run by Ambrose and Eamonn. We were shown the basic techniques and were able to put them to use on the set pieces. There was quite a lot of flexibility in the projects which meant that on Sunday I was able to work on my own project. Ambrose helped me to develop my ideas and suggested options for achieving the results I wanted. Eamonn helped me to complete the different stages with tips, suggestions and guidance. The organisation and logistics were clear and the refreshments were timely and wholesome. An excellent course"

10 Sep 19'

David Tasker reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"What a great course! The tutor Peter and assistant Eamonn were great at keeping the group working with simple blocks of instructions we could all follow and produce a surprising amount of finished work. I really enjoyed it. If you like hitting things with a hammer - this is the course for you."

9 Sep 19'

Ian Burch reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Excellent value for money. I would recommend this course to anyone with the slightest interest in working with metal. I can't believe that I learned so much and produced three finished pieces of work to take home at the end of day three. The forge/workshop is very well equipped with plenty of tools and workstations for the number of students. Peat and Eamonn were fantastic teachers, giving advice and practical help in a friendly and professional way. The lunch provided was of a high quality. Attention to detail means that the whole setup is professional. This makes joining and preparing for the course easy. An example of this is that for health and safety reasons students need to have a pair of steel toe capped boots. Richard (Quinnell) suggests buying boots from Toolstation. I followed his advice and found that the pair he recommended were cheaper than a pair I'd seen at Shoezone, and on first wearing were more comfortable than an expensive pair of walking boots I've just purchased."

9 Sep 19'

Emily Watkins reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I had a wonderful weekend and learnt so much. The instructors were really helpful and I was amazed at what could be achieved in a weekend. Also a massive thank you for being so accommodating of having a vegan on the course. I appreciated the non leather apron and gloves and the amazing vegan cake. I hope to come on your other course in future. The only thing I would add is it would be useful to start a bit earlier on the Friday as I ended up getting home quite late and was a little tired on Saturday morning. Thanks again for a lovely weekend."

9 Sep 19'

Max reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"This course is great! It will take you from never having picked up hot steel, to creating delicate and intricate pieces you thought were only seen in shops! It’s amazingly well run and everyone goes above and beyond in terms of hosting this great course. I couldn’t recommend it more."

3 Apr 19'

Rob Umney reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was perfect for beginners regardless of ability. The tutors were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, providing clear demonstrations and always at hand to provide help and guidance. I got to make a number of 'objects' to take home which were far beyond my expectations! Huge thanks to Ambrose and Eamon whose enthusiasm and patience made for a very satisfying and unforgettable weekend (along with heaps of food and cakes from the lovely Quinnel family)."

3 Apr 19'

Dan Day-Robinson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Thank you for an excellent weekend. I learnt a great deal and I came away with two beautiful candlesticks. Thank you to Ambrose and Eamonn as well as Richard and his wife for making the weekend so enjoyable."

7 Mar 19'

Richard Piercy reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I have read and wholeheartedly agree with all the reviews above! I too am preparing for my own forge!! My signed copy of Peat's excellent book is already well thumbed and plans afoot for some projects."

6 Mar 19'

Daniel Brooks reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Excellent course. Challenging but enjoyable. Peat and Eammon were first class tutors with the experience needed to help the students achieve results that at first seemed to be beyond the ability of complete novices!"

6 Mar 19'

Kevin (The Hammer) Pearson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"For Peat, ably assisted by Eamon, to take 8 enthusiastic amateurs, and get them to produce such a wide range of quality ironmongery, was a miracle! The whole approach to the course was professional and friendly, without being patronising. Peat has a wealth of knowledge, and it was a privaledge to have him as the course tutor. In a world of smart phones and instant gratification, the Quinnell Blacksmithing course is not only a fanatastic memorable occasion, but also a personal milestone in my craft achievements. Thank you all."

6 Mar 19'

Peter Heim reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Outstanding course, and better than I imagined. Peat supported by the ultimate " we can fix that problem" Eamonn were great, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much we actually did hands on, rather than theory. Even my highly cynical family are impressed with the work I built ! I would recommend this course to anybody, but would also recommend as suggested pre-course, strengthening up your hammer arms. I'm pretty strong but felt it after 3 days. Now planning to go on Peats tool making course."

6 Mar 19'

Dave Higgs reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"1) Great course 2) Great instructors who gently MAKE you DO IT YOURSELF 3) Friendly environment 4) Amazing experience I loved learning about working with metal, it was a great 3 days of HOT learning. Metal is unbelievably flexible and easy to work with as long as it’s ORANGE HOT."

20 Nov 18'

Jon Ward reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Brilliant course, you get stuck in and start making things within the first hour which I didn’t expect and by the end of the weekend I had produced some very useful items. I’m thinking about going back or doing another course with them sometime as I enjoyed it so much."

14 Nov 18'

Emma Bavin reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"This was a fantastic course! Ambrose was a great tutor, stepping us through various techniques and supporting us when we had a go ourselves. Some students had previous experience and others were total beginners but Ambrose and Eammon were there for us all, giving expert guidance both and helping hands where needed. Dick also joined us on Sunday, further adding to the expertise. Delicious cakes, lunch and good strong tea kept us going all day! It was great to work with friendly, like-minded people and a pleasure to see people's visions brought to life by the end of Sunday. Planning another visit soon!"

14 Nov 18'

John Tebbit reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A really really good weekend. Learnt the basics of something completely new and came away with several pieces of work including plant stand and iron poppy. Great tutors and great fun. Highly recommended."

14 Nov 18'

Steve Roebuck reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A really enjoyable course. The tuition & support were excellent, always on hand to help if I got stuck or needed an extra process such as welding done (by Eamon or Ambrose as we weren't trained to do it). Both I (& more importantly my wife!) are delighted with the garden obelisk I made as well as the smaller items, especially the steel poppy for Remembrance Day. Food & beverages were plentiful and delicious, particularly Pauleen's home-made cake."

14 Nov 18'

Jon Poleszczuk reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Absolutely amazing! I was intouch with the school prior to the course to find out more about it and what things I could make over the weekend, I was told to keep an open mind as there was a lot of flexibility in what we wanted to make. After the first hour of learning the basics we got to make a few guided pieces, this helped to not only learn some key techniques but also start straight away on building ideas for my own design. The support from all Ambrose, Eamonn and Richard was amazing...they were very patient with each student and made it a great atmosphere to learn in. Also, the provided lunch, tea/coffee and cakes were fantastic and helped keep us all going!"

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