Centre for Contemporary Blacksmithing

  • Intro

    On the Intro workshop, you will experience a crash course through the seven basic processes in blacksmithing. This involves a variety of technical exercises, where you will gain a fascinating insight into metallurgy and the history of hot forging whilst you work. You will learn to physically control the fire and forge at the anvil, working on a smaller personal project in the afternoon. We have a variety of projects to choose from, bottle openers to pendants & keyrings and yes you can take everything you’ve made home, usually about five objects!

  • Axe Forging

    On the Axe forging workshop, you will spend the morning being guided through the alchemy of blacksmithing and start off with some basic techniques. This will involve a fascinating insight into metallurgy and learning to physically control the fire and forging at the anvil. We will then get started on forging a simple Axe, this involves, marking up, forging, grinding, hardening, and tempering and a final finish.

  • Sgian Dubh

    A sgian-dubh is a small, single-edged knife, originally made for eating and general day-to-day uses, its now it is now worn as part of traditional Scottish dress.

    On this workshop, you will make a sgian-dubh involving, marking up, forging, grinding, hardening, and tempering and a final finish

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Blacksmithing Courses

You will spend the day with award winning blacksmith, Jack Waygood CF AWCB. He started smithing at 18 and has had a very diverse range of experience within the craft. Predominantly his passions lie in contemporary architectural forgework, visual art and sculpture but he is also well-versed in jewellery making, tool making and working as a blacksmith for the television and film industry (productions such as Poldark, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Gladiator 2). He has also taught blacksmithing at degree level and gets a real joy from sharing his knowledge. This is a practical course, and you will be expected to get your hands dirty! However, there is no pressure, and we will work at your pace, Jack will be on hand to help, demonstrate and give guidance at all times.