Do you want to experience the traditional artisan work of a blacksmith? Then, join Richard at his forge in the Cumbrian countryside for a full-day course. You'll have the opportunity to fabricate your own forged item to take home with you.
Richard is a passionate blacksmith who has been making a living out of metalwork since 2009. Now, he wants to pass on his skills to students who come to his purpose-built training forge. His forge is hidden away amongst the fields and farmland around Brampton, just northeast of Carlisle.
Here, you'll find traditional machines and tools, including a double hearth coke-fire forge, a propane gas furnace, and a classic Massey 2Cwt power hammer for heavy forging work. Additionally, there are lots of handmade blacksmith tools made by Richard himself.
Everything you need to forge metal is available at Middle Row Forge. On the day, you'll have the chance to choose from a variety of project options that are achievable for novice blacksmiths. You can create something practical like a hand tool, a fire poker, a bottle opener, or something purely artistic. Then, Richard will teach you how to heat, shape and manipulate the metal to your chosen form.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get properly stuck in as you taper, bend, twist, and rivet the hot metal in the hands-on workshop. By the end of your blacksmith experience day in Cumbria, you'll have a hand-crafted piece of ironwork to show off to your friends and family.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a blacksmith who's infectiously enthusiastic about his ironwork. It's a lovely day in a beautiful place, and you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for this traditional trade. Sign up now to create your own piece of history!
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Overview
- Blacksmithing days in Brampton near Carlisle
- Workshops in a purpose-built teaching forge
- Learn to forge using traditional techniques and tools
- Take your hand-made forged item home with you
What's Included
- Introduction to the craft of the blacksmith
- Design and create your own unique item, such as a poker, decorative item, bottle opener, hand tool etc
- Learn key blacksmithing and forge techniques such as lighting and maintaining the fire, tapering, bending, twisting, upsetting and riveting
- Refreshments are included
- A break for lunch (lunch not provided)
- You will take home a finished article, made yourself using traditional blacksmithing techniques
- Please allow 8 hours for this experience
- Days generally start at 09.30 and finish around 17:30
- You will form part of a small group of up to 4 participants
Suitable For
- Minimum age 18
- A good, general level of fitness is required
- If you have any health or mobility conditions that may impede your ability to participate please advise this at the time of booking
Availability
- Experiences generally operate on selected Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year
- Occasional Saturday dates may be available upon request
- Dates are subject to availability
Restrictions
Minimum Age: 18 years
Anything Else
- Experiences generally operate with a minimum of 2-3 participants.
- In the unlikely event minimum numbers are not reached your date may be re-scheduled
General Forge Health and Safety
- Participants should wear old, sensible clothing (non synthetic), long trousers and sturdy leather boots or shoes
- The forge can be cold so wearing layers is ideal
- Long hair must be tied back
- Safety glasses (provided) must be worn at all times inside the workshop
This experience is not suitable for spectators
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
