Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day
Description
In one day you will learn the basics of blacksmithing, a trade that has been at the heart of countryside life for hundreds of years. The course teaches you a number of skills and processes through making a collection of four useful and traditional items that you take home. Your day starts with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety and the tools. During the day you will be learning the skills from a full-time professional heritage metalworker. The skills you learn include taking a heat, drawing out, scrolling, and twisting. To learn these processes you will make an S-hook, a key-fob, a bottle opener, and a decorative toasting fork. These items can be tailored to suit individual physical abilities whilst still teaching the same skills. The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes, which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity. Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers. During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife. This day is suitable for everyone. Blacksmithing is about technique and making sure the steel is heated to the right temperature before working it, not about using heavy hammers and hitting the metal very hard! The course is limited to just 4 participants, so that each person has their own anvil to work on throughout the day. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course, but must be supervised by an adult. Please note: hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire. It is best not to wear reactalite, or similar darkening glasses for this course. About your tutor: Your tutor for the day is John Wills, who has been running his own heritage metalwork business for ten years and teaching since 2017. He specialises in making historical reproductions in copper, brass, tinplate and iron/steel for museums, re-enactors, TV, and film. As a member of the Heritage Craft Association, John is actively involved in promoting and preserving metalwork skills and traditions that would otherwise be lost. His blacksmith work has been used in Hollywood films and can be seen at historic sites around England.
What's included in the price?
Tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course. Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch. Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course. Please note if you are purchasing food from our Cafe, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared for you.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Mother's Day
- Stag dos
- Romantic
- Hen dos
- Christmas
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Easter
- Parking provided
- Father's Day
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
FAQs
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
We have extensive play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore at leisure. We also have specially considered areas dedicated to nature and its wildlife, as well as the history of the site.
Parking is free for workshop attendees - please give your registration plate details to our reception staff in the Visitor Centre on the day.
Alternatively, you can become a member for just £42.00 per year, giving you free access to all our facilities for a whole year, while supporting Rockingham Forest Trust.
