A day in the life of a traditional blacksmith! learn some of the basic principles of the ancient craft including scrolling, twisting and tapering, making a host of items to take home! A perfect course for the beginner to get stuck in and understand the intricacies of the world of steel while handcrafting items to be proud of. Surrounded by beautiful woodland or located on an idillic organic beef farm on this environmentally friendly estate why not arrive early or stay after and enjoy the peaceful Chiltern hills looking out on the Themes River valley!
 
Choose The Forge!
 
The Woodland Forge:
Hosted by Bill's Workshop in Partnership with Pathhill Outdoors this course will be located at Pathhill’s picturesque traditional Woodland Forge in South Oxfordshire. Use traditional equipment and techniques to produce goods in the same way blacksmiths have been for centuries for an authentic blacksmithing experience in this one of a kind location. We use Victorian coal fired bellows to heat steel before hammering, twisting and bending to shape! Parking is easily available onsite with hot drinks and snacks provided throughout the day but please bring your own refillable water bottle. This course allows for lots of direct teaching time with a small and focused number of people on each course (3) allowing you to get fantastic personal tuition from our team.
 
Sudio Forge:
Join us in our studio forge for a day of blacksmithing in a metal workers Mecca, the Studio is the HQ for all Bills workshop operations, from large commissions to products and sculpture creations. Get absorbed by the environment and let sparks fly as you create wonders with Hammer and anvil in this modern forge. We will be using Gas forges to heat steel before manipulating it to shape. Parking is easily available onsite with hot drinks and snacks provided throughout the day but please bring your own refillable water bottle. This course allows for lots of direct teaching time with a small and focused number of people on each course (3) allowing you to get fantastic personal tuition from our team.
 
The Days Overview:
Please arrive for a 9:30am start where you will venture into the woods to meet the team and get to know the workshop. After you have a hot drink and quick safety brief, we will light the coal forge and begin learning the basic steps of blacksmithing making a pair of BBQ or roasting skewers suitable for the oven, BBQ or open fire cooking, veggies and meat eaters alike! After a break for lunch, we will work producing decorative but utilitarian blacksmith coat hooks once a common place in every home. Finally ending the day with either a plant grow cane for the gardeners or your very own fire poker! The day will come to a close at 4pm.
 
-You will be emailed further documentation and information upon purchase to fill out and return.
-Private bookings of up to 6 people are available for this course, please get in touch to arrange.
 
All safety equipment provided
Over 18s only
For this course you do need to be reasonably fit and healthy as it is hot and hard work throughout the day on your feet.
If you have any concerns or disability, please get in contact to discuss what arrangements can be made to make the course more accessible for you and answer any questions
Please wear full length trousers (an old pair of jeans are ideal) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as well as old trainers or boots - no open toed shoes, flip flops or sliders.
Please view additional terms and conditions at the bottom of the webpage page under: terms and conditions