Traditional blacksmithing courses

The Blacksmithing Experience;  enjoy the embodiment of the thrill of the fire, the exciting dynamics of iron changing form under your hammer, the urgency of decisions and enjoy the friendly atmosphere with personal, professional tuition by John Christian, AWCB, MSDC.  This course gives an introduction to this ancient craft that goes back in history over 2500 years.  Blacksmithing is the kind of craft that is best learned by doing it, so get the iron hot, make the anvil ring, make something useful, and have fun.
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Learn blacksmithing
On a typical three day course participants will learn:

  • health and safety in the forge
  • fire management
  • drawing down
  • hot and cold twists
  • decorative twists
  • decorative handles
  • upsetting or jumping up
  • forging points
  • bending
  • hot cutting
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Fun with wrought iron
While learning these processes of hand forged wrought iron using traditional blacksmithing techniques, you will be able to produce items to take home, such as a fire poker, a fire rake and a hanging basket bracket.  This course in hand forged wrought iron provides a firm base on which to progress and build your future blacksmithing forgework skills.

Course dates

We do hope we can tempt you to try your hand at blacksmithing and attend a course in 2012.

11-13 May
6-8 July (to be confirmed)
1-3 September
19-21 October

Please contact us to book your place

Three participants are required for courses to run. We regret we are unable to accept children under 16 years for insurance reasons.
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Learn traditional blacksmithing skills

Course fees

Course fees include personal tuition, all materials for practice and to make your wrought iron items, fuel, loan of all tools and equipment you need and refreshments throughout the day.

We are happy to say we are absorbing increases in fuel and material costs so the fees are held at 2011 prices of just £365 per person for a typical 3 day course.

You are asked to wear durable and fire resistant clothing – preferably of natural fibres – and bring with you stout shoes to wear in the forge.  Safety glasses and an apron will be provided and you will be expected to use these throughout your course for your safety.
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Have fun and meet new people

Testimonials

'I just wanted to send a quick email to let you know how much I have enjoyed the blacksmithing course this weekend.

John your teaching manner was superb explaining and demonstrating clearly what had to be done then helping and giving hints and tips as we then made our own pieces of work. Watching you work was a delight to see and fascinating.

Thank you again for such an enjoyable and fun weekend, I feel it has given me a wonderful start on hopefully learning a new skill.  I can’t wait to read & start to learn more about this wonderful craft.' James, Cornwall

'Wow, what a fantastic birthday gift! I had a wonderful time and surprised myself with how well my poker and hanging basket turned out.  My husband really enjoyed the beauties of Cornwall while I was on the course. Thank you so much for your teaching and patience.' Mary-Beth, USA

Come and learn a new skill and have fun!