This course will introduce a range of techniques through a structure of tutor demonstration and student practice.

You will work on the following: detailed use of the fire, drawing down tapers in different cross sections, upsetting, bending in different cross sections, making spirals, different twisting techniques, various tools and techniques for shaping, curving and forming.

You may bring ideas of your own or evolve an idea to work on, subject to the constraints of practicality and time, or combine techniques into different smaller scale objects as led and demonstrated and suggested during the course by the tutor. These are made in combination with techniques demonstrated, and can include, for example, a twisted poker or toasting fork or a decorative door handle.

By the end of the course, you should have had a good introduction to the techniques of the blacksmith and you should feel more competent with understanding and recognising how these techniques are applied in decorative and sculptural metalwork. You should be able to confidently undertake further explorations of this fascinating and rewarding craft.

Included

• On this course, the college will supply the materials required for the specific project set by the tutor, including all fuel costs and metal that is stocked by the college.
• Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge.

What students need to bring

• You will need to wear clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. Please note that cotton or wool clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. Shorts do not provide necessary protection. 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.
• You must wear goggles (provided) and suitable protective clothing for this course. Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets 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:
• Sketchbook, pencil, rubber

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