First course of 2023!
New year, new premises, new course! Our excellent trainee blacksmiths impressed us with their Valentine’s Day creations.
Five Go On A Blacksmithing Course
Our largest course so far this year has just completed, and once again they have amazed us with what they’ve been able to make in just a few hours! Our thanks again to all our students who make it such a joy to teach this special craft.
Too hot to handle…
Almost nothing stops a Parmenter Forge course! Unfortunately, we’ve decided to postpone our sixth course of the season this weekend as it’s just too hot in the forge in this weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable course. See you on the next one!
Mum and daughter in baptism of fire!
We’ve just finished the lastest Introduction to Blacksmithing Course, with mum and daughter Beverley and Natalie each completing a magnificent toasting fork. Neither had ever tried blacksmithing before, but both did a great job in the forge today. “Thanks you for an amazing day! It was such good fun”
A Special Day for Rob
This weekend we ran a bespoke course for Rob, on the occasion of his 60th birthday! There’s nothing like taking it easy on your big day!!
Full house for our second course of 2022
More willing learners joined us for our second course, and amazed us once again with their creativity and dedication.
First course for 2022….
Introduction to Blacksmithing Course - first one of 2022!
Four gallant attendees brought along their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and succeeded admirably!
We were here…. where were you??? Join us on our next course!
Forge hoods re-designed
As part of the re-fit for the start of our 2022 courses, we’ve created double hoods to extract smoke and fumes from the fires. Here’s the first, and it’s creating an excellent draw before we even switch on the extractors!
First double hood installed
Courses re-start for 2022!
It’s been a tricky year for all of us, and though the day-to-day forgework has been busier than ever, the school took a back seat in 2021 as we all struggled with the pandemic.
But we’re pleased to announce that Parmenter Forge’s blacksmithing school is re-starting in March 2022. We have an all-new Introduction to Blacksmithing course planned and scheduled, plus an exciting option for us to come to your group event in our innovative mobile school
Booking is already open, and places are going fast, with five of our days already fully booked!
The all-new mobile blacksmithing school
Working with the Artist Blacksmith
Working with the Artist Blacksmith
How to Get the Perfect Creation
The term artist blacksmith is used to describe a smith who produces decorative and artistic forms by forging and manipulating steel under heat. An artist blacksmith is not only a competent smith working to very high standards but is also a designer capable of conversing and working alongside architects and interior designers, as well as builders and other artisan tradesmen.
An artist blacksmith has an extensive knowledge of metals and how and where to use them to gain the best working strength, finish and artistic appeal. A blacksmith may work in a number of different metals, including wrought iron, steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass and copper. It is not unusual for an artist blacksmith to specialize in one particular metal.
When considering commissioning of an artistic piece of ironwork, whether a functional piece such a gate, railing or balcony, or a purely decorative piece such as a sculpture, it is important to enlist the expertise of an artist blacksmith in the infancy of the project. This not only ensures ample time to agree a design, but also enough time to build the project and fit to schedule.
The working and manipulation of metal by hand is a labour-intensive job producing beautiful artistic and decorative forms unobtainable by casting or fabricating. An artist blacksmith, as with all artists, is passionate about both the tradition and re-generation of the creative process - a passion which results in the investment of their character and personality in producing each commission.
A skilled artist blacksmith will know how to design for the material. With a true instinct for metals, the smith’s involvement in the design process is essential. No matter how complex or challenging that design, the passionate artist blacksmith will find ways to overcome difficult requirements, ensuring that the final product meets and exceeds the expectations of the client.