You will be introduced to some fundamental blacksmithing processes and approaches to design. You will utilise different blacksmithing techniques and use both hand tools and the power hammer to form hot steel. You will look at the origins of design ideas and stages in the design process. You will develop your own project ideas and can either work on a series of experimental discoveries or work towards a small finished piece. Working in the forge, you will be shown how to draw down, upset, bend, twist, hot cut, punch and weld hot metal by using both hand tools and the power hammer, as you create a finished metal design. Discussion of the characteristic forms and qualities achievable in steel through the use of these techniques will help inform your design, and you will look at the work of other blacksmiths and the origins of design ideas and the stages in the design process.

All abilities, including complete beginners, are welcome. The course does require some physical exertion and a moderate level of fitness is required, i.e. to be able to hammer or do up a vice with ease. Most importantly, however, will be a commitment to your project, and curiosity about technique and process. The focus of the course is not just about mastering blacksmithing techniques, but also about how to respond in a creative way to both a design challenge and the material properties of steel, its potential and limitations.

Included

Protective clothing supplied includes leather aprons, work gloves, safety spectacles and ear defenders. You may wish to bring your own, if you have them. If, for example, you have particularly large or small hands, your own work gloves are likely to be a better fit.
Metal and fuel – please note that this covers basic materials and if students use large amounts of metal, they will be charged.

What students need to bring

• Sketchbook, pens
• Images of ideas that might inspire your design, e.g. the design work of others you admire, natural forms that inspire you, a potential location for your piece of work
• You will need protective clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. 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 safety footwear and bring it 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
• Please note that cotton or wool clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. A pair of cotton jeans is far more protective than a pair of nylon trousers gloves are provided, but if You have particularly large or small hands, your own work gloves are likely to be a better fit

Available to buy

Available from shop: Sketchbooks, pens

Additional information

Please note: This course is held in the Forge which is 10 minutes walk from the main house through the walled garden, or can be accessed by car. You will have morning coffee and afternoon tea at the nearby Carrington Studio and return to the main house for lunch. Tutor supervision is required at all times when students work in the forge.
The tutor’s instruction on health and safety will include access to and use of the power hammer.

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

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