Blacksmithing courses for 2013

We are delighted to announce the dates for our very popular and exciting blacksmithing courses for this year. Please see details under 'courses'.  We look forward to hearing from you.

'Free At Last': Steel - 1500 diameter

Sculptures at Lanhydrock House

John and two other sculptors were invited by the National Trust to submit sculptures for the inaugural 'New Art in the Garden' event at Lanhydrock House, near Bodmin, Cornwall. All exhibits can be seen in the upper gardens and will be there for one year.

'35': Steel - 2850 high

Wrought iron bucking hammers

Levant Tin Mine

National Trust at Levant Mine originally enquired of us if we could reproduce a bucking hammer as originally used by bal maidens for breaking the laden ore.  This was an interesting project and when I was forging this large and heavy hammer it was very thought provoking about the women and girls who would have used this type of tool.  These were forged with hickory handles all fixed in time for them to be used on childrens' activity days at the mine at Levant.

Griddle plates

Always being asked for the unusual (but not the most unusual – more of that later) Boquio Iron & Glass was asked to make four griddle plates from 15mm (just over half an inch) thick iron plate, circular in shape and a handle hold.  Originally these would have been heated over a fire but in more modern times over a gas hob.  Excellent for drop scones amongst other things.

A pinny springy thingy

Pinafore springy thingies

We had to chuckle when we were asked to reproduce these! What on earth are they? Well roughly waist size, sprung, threaded through a hemmed tea towel and – hey presto – an all size apron literally with no strings attached! We made 15 and just had to make an extra one so we could have fun with appropriate tea cloths and dinner guests ....!

A pinny thingie!