This course is for anyone who would like to learn the basic fundamentals of blacksmithing.

The aim of the course is for you to gain skills on the forge and anvil through a process of exercises. You will cover all points of health and safety, and good practice. You will learn how the forge works and the fuels used, familiarisation with all tools and equipment. Planned exercises will enable you to learn to forge with accuracy and confidence.

The course will consist of lighting the forge and shaping scrap metal (horseshoes) into square and flat bar to a particular length. You wil learn how to control the forge and how to avoid burning the metal. You will learn to forge a flat ring, make a staple (round and flat), make an unwelded eye (round and flat), make a figure of 8 (round). You will learn to develop the skills needed to make a forged item of your own design utilising your creative talents.

This course is aimed at anyone who would like to start blacksmithing and gain the fundamental skills required to progress onto other blacksmithing short courses, sculpture skills for artists, confidence in working from a forge at home or a start for going into further education in metalwork.

Bursaries are available from the Short Courses department for younger applicants who wish to try out this skill. Funding is also available from the Kings Trust for those under 30 years of age.

Included

All fuel costs and metal Notebook and pencil (Leather aprons and gloves, goggles and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge)

What students need to bring

• For your safety, it is mandatory to wear steel toe capped safety boots when undertaking A course in the Forge. you must provide your own footwear and bring them with you to wear on the course. if you fail to bring suitable footwear, you will not be able to take part in the course. safety boots can be purchased from most tool hire shops and builders’ merchants, as well as online.

• A water bottle is essential to keep hydrated. you will need to wear clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. Please note that cotton or woollen clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. Shorts do not provide necessary protection.

• you must wear goggles (provided) and suitable protective clothing for this course. Leather Aprons and gloves, goggles and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge or you can bring them along if you have them. if, for example, you have particularly large or Small hands, your own Leather work gloves are likely to be A better fit.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials.

Additional information

Please note: This course will be in the Forge, which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden, or can be accessed by car. As this course is held in the Forge, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch.

Please note that tutor supervision is always required when you are working in the Forge.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions