A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

27 Nov 21'

Tania reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day out. Very well-thought-out course. Very chuffed with the 2 items I made that I will use at home, better than I thought they'd be. Techniques well taught, very friendly, food fantastic, great atmosphere, what more can I say. The only criticism I can make is that my son complained I hadn't made a sword....."

25 Nov 21'

David Utley reviewed: Blacksmithing: make a rams head poker

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend."

22 Nov 21'

David Utley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Welcomed on arrival by Adrian, Andy & Debbie. An excellent and well explained course with assistance where needed to make a rams head poker.Tea, coffee & biscuits on arrival ,hot lunch , coffee & cake after work whats not to enjoy."

22 Nov 21'

Suzanne reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is a really well run course. It was nicely paced with lots of individual tuition when needed and clear explanation of each stage. We came away with some lovely flowers and a huge feeling of achievement. Oh, and very full tummies because the food was amazing!"

22 Nov 21'

David Connelly reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a beautifully sunny but cold day as I meandered through the beautiful English countryside to arrive at the working farm which housed the course. A very warm and friendly welcome with hot coffee available was a great way to start the day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie welcomed the course and made sure that we were comfortable and suitably clad. Time was taken to explain what was going to happen on the course and what we were expected to achieve. We were then shown a beautiful rams head poker, a copy of which was our goal for the day. There followed a practical demonstration of the first part. In my view, a great way to go. Small chunks at a time. Easier to follow and remember. We all worked at the same pace, each new part demonstrated prior to us having a go. After the first demo, it was straight in and literally poker in the fire time. They say that patience is a virtue. Adrian had this in spades. Clearly a very experienced Smith. He talked and demonstrated throughout the day, gentle hints here and there when we weren't quite getting it quite right. Practical positive encouragement was the order of the day. The break for lunch was welcomed, it's hot at the forge. The food was outstanding, and lots of it, including local bread and cheeses which were wolfed by all. The afternoon flew past, clearly everyone was enjoying themselves and at last we were done. A sense of achievement, a feeling of happiness and altogether a great course. I would highly recommend trying the course. I will be going back for another."

22 Nov 21'

Graham Tunstall reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The ram's head poker course is an excellent course. Ade and Andy are excellent and very patient tutors. The poker I made will very useful for BBQs! The catering was also excellent; with veggie chilli, jacket potatoes and local cheese and bread. A thoroughly enjoyable day that I would definitely recommend. Thank you"

21 Nov 21'

lucy thomson reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"Really interesting, if hard work! Loads of help and instruction readily available. I came home with two lovely flowers on garden stakes and was extremely satisfied with the day. A very good 2-course home-cooked lunch was provided, thank you, Debbie! Not rushed to finish in good time either."

20 Nov 21'

Chris Lovell reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"Deb and I came away to celebrate our milestone birthdays. We had a very exciting day making flowers. Ade and Andy were so helpful and patient with us ensuring that we came away with two wonderful flowers each. The lunch and refreshments were also lovely especially the homemade cake (thank you, Deb)"

2 Nov 21'

Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Came away after the two day design and build session with a creation for the garden thst exceeded my expectations - thanks to Adrian"

25 Oct 21'

Graham Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had been looking forward to this since booking in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adrian is a very welcoming spirit and easy to talk to considering you are meeting for the first time. He is a great demonstrator and keeps you on track offering help when needed. There is no blinding you with unnecessary knowledge. My dragonhead coat hook looks more like a baldy dog, but I quite like those. My key ring and the coat hooks themselves are great. I would do that same course again for a bit more practice. I am certainly interested in one of the "Design & Make" weekend courses, so will have to save a little. Debbie's welcoming, warm character and hearty food were lovely, as was Debbie. Welcome tea and homemade goodies to a stonking veggie lunch with crumble and custard to boot, and more tea... Tea. Heat metal. Beat metal, Heat metal. Beat metal. Eat. Heat metal. Beat metal. Heat metal. Beat metal. Tea. What is not to like. Could they do anything better? For me, I'd like the day to go on a wee bit longer. One more hour. Other than that, nothing else. As an experience, it was affordable, hugely enjoyable, you come away with physical permanent keepsakes that you have made and a great set of memories. All the best & hope to see you again Graham"

24 Oct 21'

Jo Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Adrian was a fabulous instructor ‐ he makes it look so easy yet always on hand for some encouragement. Debbie did a great job feeding us with homemade goodies, needed an extra hour for a nap after lunch! My Dad loved it ‐ Thank you"

24 Oct 21'

Dominic and Ruth reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really interesting day. Good atmosphere. Challenging but well instructed and lots of support as you went along. Really interesting day and the food / drink was exceptional; would recommend to anyone"

21 Oct 21'

Andrew Bailey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife and I took the drawings of a table underframe for Adrian to cast his eye over some time before our covid delayed design and make weekend. Adrian gave the green light as a "do-able" project, excitment and anticipation rose. Our group assembled 9am prompt with a welcome tea/coffee cake/flapjack - and so our adventure began. With metal in hand, a little prompting, some demonstration and encouragement we began to forge and bend component parts - by lunchtime of the second day (excellent lunches with pudding!! Thank you Debbie) I had 4 legs pretty much matching and stretcher rails waiting for assembly. 16mm diam. rod was used to rivet the parts together this was a 3 man job one heating the rivet one balancing the frame on the anvil and one whielding a large hammer, result enormous smiles all round. I have some wire brushing/descaling to do and a finish to apply here at home, what a super satisfying weekend thank you Debbie, Adrian and Andy."

20 Oct 21'

peter bloom reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Adrian has an incredible amount of patience, and makes sure that everyone has a fantastic day. Worth every penny."

13 Sep 21'

Dave Bygrave reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day out learning some basic blacksmith skills. Tea and homemade flapjack to get us in the mood then Adrian got us straight onto our first piece, showing us what to do (he makes it look so easy!) then letting us loose. You work two to a furnace and everyone gets their own anvil and tools, so there is no hanging around waiting for your turn. Adrian and Andy were really helpful and wandered amongst us making sure we knew what we were doing. Lunch was amazing - Debbie looked after us really well. By the end of the day I'd finished my keyring and coat rack and was knackered but really pleased with what I'd made. There was still time for more tea and home-made cakes. Its a great day out - just do it!"

12 Sep 21'

Pete and Lorna Scurfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The course was a surprise birthday gift for my wife and I booked another place to go along with her. We both had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Debbie welcomed us with a hot brew and some homemade flapjack before Adrian gave us a brief introduction and before we knew it, we were hammering away at red hot steel over the anvil. The practical demonstrations were given in small easy to follow steps then we all went away and copied what we had just been shown. I was surprised how much we learned in such a short time and very pleased with what we managed to produce in one day (a key ring and a three-hook dragon coat rack). Adrian and Andy gave us all the help and support we needed throughout the day and their warm and friendly banter made us feel at ease from the start. Debbie provided a splendid lunch and home-made cakes to go with tea and coffee at the end of the day. Everyone there said they had enjoyed it when we were sat having a cuppa before leaving for home. We would definitely recommend giving it a go, you will not be disappointed."

11 Sep 21'

Jackie Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Huge thanks to Debbie, Adrian and Andy We had a fantastic day making flowers, with very clear instructions and help when needed. Enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and great flapjacks and coffee on arrival. Would strongly recommend this course to anyone."

8 Sep 21'

Ben Wright reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I got this course as a birthday present back in February and it was definitely worth the wait. Delicious flapjacks are provided at breakfast then we went on to make a key ring. With lots of help and guidance from the guys leading the course. After a wonderful large lunch of local produce (included) we went on to make a coat rack for the wall. We both had a great time and enjoyed it so much that we are looking at their other courses. Staff are friendly and know their stuff. The tuition is clear and broken down in to steps so it's easy to follow. Would recommend for anyone to give this a go."

8 Sep 21'

Steve Lucas reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Long awaited Covid delayed birthday present. A great day. Greeted on arrival with a cup of tea followed by a short health and safety overview. Then straight in to making a snail key ring. Great step by step instruction before being released with fire and hammer. Ongoing support and guidance throughout. Then on to the Dragon coat rack with stage by stage instruction and guidance. All this interspersed with fabulous food, we did discuss whether we had time for a brief snooze after lunch but the dragons were calling. This was an excellent hands on day with expert guidance. The guys were there when you needed them but let you work at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend."

6 Sep 21'

Carole Marsh reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day! We had plenty of space to work and the pace of the day and support from the teachers was just right so that you were kept busy and moved on when ready. The food was delicious and plentiful. I'm really proud of my dragon coat hooks and keyring and would love to go again. Would definitely recommend."

6 Sep 21'

Jane Godfrey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Friendly and well taught. Given space to work at own pace and help available promptly when required. Calm atmosphere created by team. Learnt loads and want to learn more!"

6 Sep 21'

Lorraine Clarkson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fabulous day! Clear instructions and friendly, helpful teachers. We came away with items to be proud of and show off! We were completely spoiled with delicious food . . . including cake. Highly recommended."

6 Sep 21'

Eithne Spain reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Bought this as a birthday present for my partner - he loved it! The day was very well run, the food delicious and plentiful. He said it was hard physically but he's come home with 2 items he's really happy with ans he got to explore his manly and artistic sides in one go. Thoroughly recommend."

1 Sep 21'

Bob Missin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was its usual excellent day (I have been 3 times) with great food, great tuition, a warm, friendly atmosphere and at the end you go home with something worth looking at in the garden, at home or as present. I would recommend it to anyone, you don't have to be big and strong to do it, just watch your head on the forge."

30 Aug 21'

Mike Braham reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi, what can I say about the day, there was some serious hammering done, the whole day was excellent from start to finish with a cup of tea/coffee on arrival, lunch was very good and the cup etc before leaving for home. Everyone was made welcome and after a safety talk we got down to some serious hammering. This is my second time blacksmiths and will be back again Regards Mike"