Have you considered doing one of our blacksmith courses? Meet Luke Green, a Lecturer in Engineering in the Department of Advanced Engineering and Computing at Weston College and a Blacksmith.

What is a blacksmith?

A blacksmith is someone who creates objects from wrought iron or steel. Blacksmiths forge (change the shape by hammering) the metal after it’s been heated.

Blacksmiths make traditional objects – such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, agricultural implements, cooking utensils and weapons – but also create more intricate items, including ornamental flowers and wedding rings.

While many people work with metal – such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers – blacksmiths, traditionally, are able to make and repair a wider range of items, from the most complex of weapons and armour, to simple objects like nails or lengths of chain.

Because of this, blacksmithing is suited to people with a range of skills and interests, including those who are:

• Suited to hand-on work
• Artistic
• Engineering focused.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a fabulous example of where blacksmithing contributed to the creation of an impressive local structure. Blacksmiths have also made various gates, railings, sculptures and ornamental pieces around the South West.

Locally there are only three blacksmiths.

Blacksmiths are either commissioned to create one-off pieces for substantial sums of money (anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds), or produce a series of items in quantity.

How did you become a blacksmith?

I inherited a workshop full of old tools that had not been used for some years. Instead of throwing them out I began to work with those tools and gradually built my skill set up – from learning how to use a hammer, to building unique forges designed for custom pieces.

It has been a long journey, with many challenges and accomplishments, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.

What training have you had?

Various courses for ‘smithing’ do exist in the UK, as well as the occasional apprenticeship, but these are few are far between. We offer a Blacksmiths short course which runs for 6 weeks on a Tuesday evening 5.30-8.00pm, it provides a rare opportunity to learn this fascinating craft!

I have been lucky enough to have worked with Mike and Steve Goldsmith in Somerset as well as Dean Aggett in Devon.

I have also had the opportunity to work with Hector Cole, who fabricated the gates at Buckingham Palace.

Tell us about some of your career highlights and achievements.

Since becoming a blacksmith in 2012, I have been invited to do archaeological demos at venues including Caerleon Roman Fortress and Cardiff University.

I have made pieces ranging from decorative and functional items (chandeliers, coat racks, hooks, boot holders, roses etc) to jewellery-based items such as wedding rings.

I have also produced tools and weaponry for re-enactment and bushcraft purposes – this has also extended into armoury fabrication.

One of the reason blacksmithing is so appealing, is that it harks back to older times – heating up metal in a fire and hammering it to shape it helps us connect with our ancestors.

What are the benefits of learning blacksmithing?

• You have the freedom to explore the metals
• It’s fun
• You can create anything - you’re only limited by your imagination
• It’s a great stress reliever
• It’s satisfying to create something unique.

What advice would you give to potential students?

• Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat.
• Practice, practice, practice.

Tell us about the blacksmithing course.

The course is unique in the South West.

You will learn how to manipulate hot steel and produce your own metal masterpiece. You can also choose to make something from a range of small items.

After a simple demonstration, you will get straight into having a go. You will be guided to safely use the hand tools and incorporate design elements into practical work.

At the end of your day, you can expect to take away a couple of pieces of your own handcrafted work - your test piece and a finished piece.

Weston College runs Level 2 and 3 adult courses all year around. This course covers:

Week 1: Forged bottle opener (3 possible designs)
Week 2: Forged fire poker (3 possible designs)
Week 3: Forged tongs (3 possible designs)
Week 4: Forged bottled holder (3 designs)
Week 5: Forged garden basket holder (3 designs)
Week 6: Forged rose/flower (3 designs)

Find out more and register your interest at https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/art-and-design/blacksmiths