Quinnell School of Blacksmithing reviews

3 Nov 18'

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

"One of the best weekends I have had in many years. This was a 50th Birthday present and couldn't have been better. The knowledge and skills passed on by Peat were great and I cannot believe what we created in 3 days. I will be recommending the course to everyone I know."

3 Nov 18'

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

"I really enjoyed this course. Everything is very well explained. Real blacksmith hand on forging. You will end up with 3 pieces that you forged yourself. I would very much recommend to partake in this. It is wonderful experience."

2 Nov 18'

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

"Amazing experience and lots of fun learning new skills! Highly recommended"

8 Oct 18'

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

"A wonderful, if somewhat exhausting, experience. From very nervous beginnings it was quite remarkable how much progress could be made during the course of a couple of days. Both myself, and especially my family, were amazed at the results."

11 Jul 18'

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

"An enjoyable and instructive course. Peat has a natural flair for teaching and was very ably assisted by Giles, both of whom have a good sense of humour and patience. I learnt a great deal, although I don't think I will be a "purist" as I'll be resorting to bandsaws and drills for cutting and putting in holes. Peat will shake his head in disgust. The setting alone is worth going to. A unique house and grounds both steeped in history. Lucy Quinnell very kindly took time out to give quick tour which was fascinating. It's worth reading her articles on the property and black smithing. Her father. Richard, is a raconteur par excellence and is worth spending time with for his history on modern black smithing and the odd tale of bloody local lore. If you have even just a tiny spark of interest in the art of blacksmithing then I would highly recommend this course. Even if you don't, then go and look at the superb gallery and truly unique property. Do I get free course now?"

10 Jun 18'

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

"The course was well structured for beginners. The pace was just right and so were the challenges. The tutor, Ambrose Burne was excellent (and I say that as an experienced tutor). Having another highly skilled blacksmith on hand to provide extra help was more than one would normally expect on a course with 8 participants. Hard work, but thoroughly enjoyable in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Adding another couple of vices would be a good idea. Liz Dell. HND(Fine Art) TDipIT."

8 Jun 18'

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

"I very much enjoyed this course, and have wanted to do something like this for a very long time. The tutoring was of a very high standard, I really felt the tutors loved and knew what blacksmithing is all about. After some basic exercises, there is plenty of time to work on your own designs. So it is a good idea to think about this before the course! Even whilst I am not very artistic I can say that I'm proud of what I produced on the w/e. Thank you Ambrose, Eamonn and the other students for a good w/e far exceeding any a city break!!!"

4 Jun 18'

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

"Brilliant course, and chuffed with what I made. Thank you to the Ambrose and Eamonn for all their help"

2 Jun 18'

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

"Peat gave us helpful advice and tips throughout. Although the youngest on this course at 14 - I found it challenging and enjoyable. We had goals of new items to make every day, my family were amazed at the quality of what I had achieved. I did the course because it is educational and something that I would like to learn more about. You get to make friends too."

17 Apr 18'

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

"This was an amazing experience, much better than I even imagined and I would highly recommend it to anybody interested in the craft. The instruction was excellent and apart from learning a lot there was a lot of enthusiasm and everybody had a lot of fun. The Fire and Iron gallery is an iconic place in Surrey and a very inspiring place to learn some forging skills. I will always treasure the pieces I forged on that day. I feel inspired to continue with the craft and hopefully will shortly do the more advanced course which involves creating pieces of my own design."

17 Apr 18'

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

"An excellent course well structured and well lead. The setting is delightful, the team is amazing and their passion for the art is completely contagious. You may burn yourself or get a blister, you certainly will get tired and dirty. I did. Didn't stop me loving every minute. Objects can hold our memories, I now have three that will outlast my lifetime, each time I look at them I'll remember and smile."

16 Apr 18'

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

"What an excellent weekend! The perfect set up for learning a new skill, highly skilled and adept teachers (and just down right decent blokes). Great food, (very lovely cakes!!) and although personally, I am not very talented, I did not stop learning from the moment I arrived. On top of all this, you get to make some cool implements to take home and display your forging prowess (and possibly open bottles with)!! In all honesty, if I could go every weekend, I would...So book today...no seriously BOOK IT!!!"

11 Apr 18'

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

"Great experience and support , advice available for all abilities."

11 Apr 18'

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

"Really great introduction and some super helpful guys!"

10 Apr 18'

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

"Would highly recommend this course. The guys were friendly and welcoming. After a health and safety run through it was straight onto the forge. Being a small group meant if anyone needed extra help the tutor was able to spend time explaining the best way to approach the problem. Came away with 4 pieces which was more than i thought i could make. Even though the saturday was a long day i could have carried on for longer and the time flew by. Really enjoyed the whole weekend and planning another visit as i have loads of ideas for more projects. We stayed in leatherhead and were only a 5 min drive from the site which was easy to find."

12 Feb 18'

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

"It was a fantastic course and a great entry for anyone looking to start blacksmithing whether interested or just curious. I would highly recommend it to friends and family."

6 Feb 18'

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

"This was my second course, building on a previous one, so I wanted to use more techniques. Experienced teachers who knew how to help and also helped me design and make a piece (belt buckle) which is much admired. Very decent facilities, day was a good length, with frequent tea and biscuit breaks to give the old biceps a break! I have already booked onto my next course and am looking forward to it."

5 Feb 18'

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

"Was a great weekend and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is interested in crafting. Not only is it fun but you end up with usable and practical items at the end of it. We ended up getting the bracket zinc coated and painted with Richard and now it is outside in full display with an appropriate light hanging off it and it looks perfect! Make sure you follow the recommendation of strengthening your hammering arm before you go though as you will definitely need it!"

1 Feb 18'

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

"Great fun, a real boys thing and the toasting fork has been put to good use."

5 Oct 17'

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

"Excellent course, great fun but hard work! Managed to make things I didn't think I was capable of (with a bit of expert help!)"

27 Jul 17'

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

"A great course if you enjoy learning the rudiments of a new hands on skill. It's very practical so you are wielding a hammer within minutes of starting the course. Ambrose goes at a really nice pace allowing you to be as guided or sell sufficient as you please. A top experience."

26 Jul 17'

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

"A great way to 'have a go' at blacksmithing. The course was relaxed but I still managed to create three items over a weekend that I'm proud of. Everyone was really friendly and supportive, encouraging creativity. It's a testament to how much everyone in the group was enjoying the course that we all continued working on our pieces even after the official end time on the first day and had to be (gently) encouraged to leave!"

26 Jul 17'

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

"The course was an excellent introduction to Blacksmithing. I wanted the opportunity to create an object rather than just learn techniques and this course provided the perfect blend of creativity, techniques and hands-on support. The weekend brought together a group of people from different backgrounds and we all enjoyed the experience. I look forward to building on this course."

24 Jul 17'

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

"The course was fantastic we covered the 7 basic forging techniques and had adequate time to put the skills Pete was teaching us into practice. Pete guided us carefully and clearly so when he sent us off to complete the next stage of the course we had a clear idea of what we were supposed to do, and if someone was unsure Pete was happy to explain in another way until it was clear. During lunchtime we were provided with plenty of food and drink which was delicious and filling. In summary the course was well worth it and the techniques I have learned will remain with me forever and have allowed me to pursue forging my own path."

11 Jul 17'

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

"This was a truly amazing experience. The tuition was clear and concise and Peat ( and his counterpart) spent as much time as was necessary with each person to ensure everyone completed all the tasks. It was quite hard ( and hot) work at times and it was as much of a challenge the forge temperature correct as it was working the steel into a piece of craftsmanship!! I was truly astonished at what we managed to produce by the end of the weekend and will treasure the rams head toasting fork for eternity. The general hospitality and lunch time buffet was lovely too with more than enough to go around and delicious home made cakes too!! It was a great birthday treat and I would recommend it to anyone."