Blacksmithing Workshop – For Young People (ages 12-17)
Get fired up and step into the world of blacksmithing!
This hands-on taster workshop is a thrilling introduction to the ancient art of forging, specially designed for young people. You’ll discover the basics of working with hot metal – heating, shaping, twisting, and scrolling – and experience the excitement of creating something from scratch in a real forge.
What You’ll Learn
– Master basic blacksmithing techniques like heating and shaping.
– Learn safety and tool use from a professional blacksmith.
– Customize projects to suit your skill level
Who is this course for?
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!
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.
The course is limited to just 4 participants, so that each person has their own anvil to work on.
All tools, materials, and safety gear are provided – just bring your curiosity and wear sturdy, hard-soled footwear and full length trousers.
Free parking is including with each booking.
Important: Participants under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult (18+). Please avoid wearing transition lenses or auto-darkening glasses.