Blacksmith For A Day - Ramshead Poker with Adrian Woods

'Artist Blacksmith for a Day' with Adrian Woods -  making Rams Head Pokers.

A unique opportunity for a really full-on day experience. These days are suitable for all abilities but not for those with back problems or other health issues relating to fatigue or joint problems.  Minimum age strictly 16 years. Stamina is required throughout the day. 

Take Artist Blacksmith Adrian Wood arriving with his apprentice Andy from Cleveland equipped with 4 portable blacksmith furnaces, anvils and many tools and you have the ingredients for a perfect blacksmith day...

Our Blacksmith for a Day courses run throughout the year:
- Rams head Fire pokers or Sculptural garden flowers

Adrian and Andy will arrive early to set up his mobile forges for 8 people on the Cafe driveway in our covered blacksmith area. Fresh coffee and home made biscuits will be waiting as a welcome drinks and then, after a safety talk and with furnaces lit, Adrian will explain basic principles, the colours of hot metals, malleability, temperatures and the importance of getting just the right temperature for the right task.

The group will then start with creating their pice for the day, creating a point on the piece of metal, quickly moving onto curves, bends and scrolls, punching, spreading and splitting. Once the fires are lit and the health and safety chat out of the way we will get straight down to the business of hammering some hot steel.  The day is fully hands on and as well as learning the basic principles of the blacksmith techniques. Even as a beginner under Adrian's watchful eye you should be able to make these pieces to take home, proudly display and of course, put to use!

9.30am – 4.30/5pm
£115 inc a tasty lunch & home baking 

Materials £10 on the day payable to Adrian

Dates for this course - see the table below to book:

   Sunday 13th  November 2022       We have recently learned that Adrian will be unable to teach in Greystoke in 2023

Please bring: Materials £10 on the day payable to Adrian  Please wear old clothing, sensible shoes (preferably leather as plastic trainers can melt) , strong gloves and do bring a heavy duty apron - canvas/leather - if you wish. Layers are advised as this is obviously hot work working in front of the furnaces. Adrian supplies safety glasses.  As an alternative to prevent blisters, and especially if you’ve soft hands,  stretchy physio bandaging tape is really useful.  Suitable for Beginners Typically for 8 people.

About the tutor:  Adrian Wood is a university graduate with a degree in fine art sculpture from The University of London. Adrian completed his training at a blacksmiths forge in York, after which he worked for Brian Russell, widely regarded as one of the finest blacksmiths in the UK. Brian's approach to creating bespoke and uniquely designed metalwork has an enormous effect on the sculptures and designs created by Adrian Wood Artist Blacksmiths.