In recent years, the making of pattern welded steel has enjoyed a revival. It is a material you make yourself, by joining together layers of different iron/steel to develop a layered structure, exhibiting decorative surface patterns. This piece of material may then be used to make a small decorative and/or functional object.

The course will cover:

• Background: the history of the material and examples of its use and development as a material
• Preparation: the steps required to create a successful piece of pattern welded steel
• Design: to help you develop a working plan for your finished object
• Processes: step-by-step production with discussions to help you understand the steps required to make great Damascus steel and turn it into a beautiful object
• Finishing: helping you achieve the best appearance for your finished Damascus steel object

The course provides an opportunity to understand, explore and develop ideas, using this ancient technique. Some previous experience of blacksmithing may be helpful, but it is not essential. You are introduced to the decorative possibilities of making Damascus steel, enabling you to investigate its creative applications.

What you would like to make is up to you, and your tutor will help you realise these designs if possible. Common uses of Damascus steel include kitchen knives, tools and jewellery. If you’re not sure what you would like to make, your tutor will help to inspire you. Examples of potential designs will be provided and discussed at the beginning of the course, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas with your tutor.

Immersive Art School Week
This course is part of our ‘Immersive Art School’ group of short courses for summer 2026, led by talented artist-tutors.

• Tim Johnson (basketry)
• James Hunting (Textiles/mentoring)
• Jane Fox and Jane Sampson (printmaking)
• Louise Rainbow (drawing and painting)
• Ben Brierley (ceramics)
• Rachel Johnston (woven tapestry)
• John Mosse (Damascus steel)

There will be tutor talks on Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 6.15pm in The Old Library as part of the course. Studio visits are encouraged to share work and experiences (out of core teaching hours).

Included

On this course, the tutor and College will supply all of the materials:

• Steel, fuel, consumables (abrasives, flux, etc.)
• Handtools (files, rasps, etc.)

What students need to bring

Working clothes Plenty of water

If you have anything of your own that you have ideas for or you would like to use, please bring it along. An example of this would be speciality woods for handles of blades or tools.

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 them 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 builders’ 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.

Available to buy

Available from shop: The shop stocks a good variety of art and craft materials.

Available from tutor: Optional extra materials such as hardwoods for handles, etc.

Additional information

Safety boots can be purchased from most tool hire shops and builders’ merchants, as well as online: www.cromwell.co.uk www.bhinone.com

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. As this course is held in the Forge, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch. Please note that tutor supervision is required at all times when students work in the Forge.

Due to the sharing of specialist equipment and tutor supervision being necessary, there will be some waiting required at times. For this reason, the course numbers are limited.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions