OPEN ACCESS

Diagram showing a two-step process with arrows pointing downward. The first step is marked with a brown diamond shape, followed by a vertical downward arrow. The second step is marked with a second brown diamond shape, with a white horizontal line underneath. The background is black.

Join our Community

The open access sessions have been carefully designed to provide you with a dedicated space to work independently on your own blacksmithing projects. We warmly welcome anyone who has previously attended one of our courses and has completed their initial basic introduction and safety briefing. During these sessions, you will have full access to all the equipment located in the basics area of the forge, as well as the resources available in the library. Additionally, there will be opportunities to gain access to more specialized facilities, such as the grinding room and the advanced forging area, through regular attendance.

There are a maximum of eight spaces available on each session and the going rate is £12per hour with an average of 10 hours open time available each week.

Thursday - 4pm - 8pm

Saturday - 10am - 4pm

NO ADDITIONAL COSTS

MATERIALS & FUEL

We offer a quality range of materials specifically designated for the open access sessions. The gas forge fuel, along with a sufficient quantity of consumables, are all included in your fee. This ensures you have everything you need to fully participate without any additional costs.

A blacksmith forge with a heated piece of metal on an anvil, glowing red-hot from the heat, surrounded by industrial equipment and partially visible person to the left.

ACCESS DURING OPEN SESSIONS

WORKSHOP PASSPORT

For regular members a workshop passport lets participants use the advanced equipment. After an introduction and demonstrating they can use the tools safely, an instructor approves them by signing the passport. This approval allows access during open sessions. Introductions and training will be offered at set times during the year, aligned with the Work of Iron running schedule. There will be additional costs involved with using extra gas, operating electrical equipment in the grinding and advanced rooms and for the significant consumption of various consumables and stock items. You can use the information provided in your passport to calculate your usage costs and conveniently pay the associated fees. Our workshop operates within a circle of trust, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding materials, fuels, or any other related matters.

A man working as a blacksmith, wearing protective headphones, an apron, and gloves, forging metal on an anvil.

Booking an open access session?

The sessions are only available to adults 18+. We will need some information to help us ensure that your experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. You will also be expected to have carefully read our visitor information page and be fully prepared, in accordance with the arrangements outlined in our terms and conditions.

Please read our Course Info first.

COURSE INFO

###BOOKING WIDGET TO GO HERE

THE ACCESS FUND

Established by Work of Iron CIC to support subsidised course places for participants facing financial or structural barriers. We run a ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme where financially stable clients can contribute more to cover course costs for those who can’t afford it, fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.

APPLY / LEARN MORE