Ref: S1D41511
Spend the day learning traditional blacksmithing skills and forge your own handcrafted BBQ toasting fork and bottle opener, great for anyone who loves a barbeque and who would like to begin working with metal in a forge.
Cut, hammer, twist and shape hot steel using time-honoured techniques to create practical items designed for both the fireside and the barbecue, all while adding your own personal style.
This one-day workshop is ideal whether you are completely new to blacksmithing and looking to gain hands-on experience in a working forge, learning core techniques such as drawing out, tapering, twisting and forming - all essential in crafting a durable barbeque fork and if you have time, a forged bottle opener.
You will be guided through the fundamentals, building confidence as you create simple yet long-lasting forged items.
This workshop offers a rewarding introduction to blacksmithing.
We run regular blacksmithing courses with Joe Tyler, so you can return to build on your skills and take on larger or more advanced projects.
All fuel costs and mild steel stocked by the College Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge.
You will need to wear clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. Please note that cotton or wool clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. Shorts do not provide necessary protection. For your safety, it is mandatory to wear steel toe capped safety boots when undertaking a course in the Forge. You must provide your own footwear and bring it with you to wear on the course. If you fail to bring suitable footwear, you will not be able to take part in the course. Safety boots can be purchased from most tool hire shops and buildersÂ’ merchants, as well as online.
You must wear goggles (provided) and suitable protective clothing for this course. Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge, or you can bring them along if you have them. If, for example, you have particularly large or small hands, your own leather work gloves are likely to be a better fit.
Please bring a re-useable water bottle.
Available from the Gardens Gatehouse Craft Shop:
Please note: This course will be in the Forge, which is a ten-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. You should arrive by 8:50am for registration at the Main House to ensure that you can walk/be directed over to the forge at 9:05am for a 9:15am start.
Classes are from 9:15am-5pm. As this course is held in the Forge, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio.
Please note that tutor supervision is always required when you are working in the Forge.
Student registration: 9.15am-9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am-5pm
Morning session: 9.30am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Joe Tyler trained at the National School of Blacksmithing, Herefordshire. Joe’s interests lie in history, especially ancient crafts, and all types of metal work from historical and traditional to contemporary.
Joe carries out demonstrations and talks all year round in various locations across the UK on blacksmithing in the Saxon period as well as modern blacksmithing techniques.
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more
