Course: Introduction to Blacksmithing
These full day courses are an opportunity to try your hand at the ancient art of blacksmithing in Gilfach Ddu’s original forge, where generations of blacksmiths served the needs of Dinorwig Quarry - Story of Slate | National Museum Wales
Working as part of a small group under the guidance of Liam Evans, the Museum blacksmith, you will be introduced to forging, forming, and cutting techniques and use hot steel to create your own uniquely decorated poker to take home. *
This fun and relaxed course is suitable for the complete beginner. There will be two places available to book on each day.
* If there’s time you will also create another small item from a suggested list.
Safety information:
To take part in this course, participants are required to wear adequate clothing (see list below) and listen to and follow the blacksmith’s instructions with regards to working safely in the forge.
- All clothing should be made from natural fibres, 100% cotton preferable.
- Tops should be long sleeved to cover forearms.
- Trousers should be loose fitting enough to cover the tops of footwear and full-length trousers only are to be worn.
- Safety boots essential. You must provide them yourself.
- Safety spectacles (provided) need to be worn at all times in the forge. A leather apron will also be provided.
Failure to comply with the blacksmith’s safety instructions will result in the session’s cancellation.
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or visit our on-site café.
We can offer a 10% discount to course participants in our catering outlets on production of ticket.
Site access/Parking: Please park in the visitor car park, a charge of £5.50 per car applies. Tickets can be purchased from the pay and display machine, please note that the machine accepts cash or you can pay through the ‘pay by phone’ app.
Entry to the Museum is free. There’s lots of useful information here : Visiting the National Slate Museum | Museum Wales
All tickets for this event must be purchased in advance.
Language: The facilitator for this course is bilingual (Welsh/English).
Concession eligibility: Students with NUS or those in receipt of benefits, over 60s
This course is suitable for ages 18+
Accessibility: The Forge is a 5-minute walk from the car park - please contact events@museumwales.ac.uk before booking to discuss any accessibility requirements.
Terms and Conditions: Full terms and conditions for our courses are available to view here.
By booking onto our courses, you are supporting us to inspire everyone we reach through telling Wales’s story. Diolch o galon.
Take a look at some other courses at Amgueddfa Cymru Creative Courses at National Museum Wales | Museum Wales