Children’s Blacksmithing Workshops with The Young Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

12, 13 & 14 September at The Museum in the Park

Do you have a budding blacksmith in your family?

Are you a teacher of young people who’d love a chance to try their hand at hot metalworking?

We are delighted to announce that children aged 8 to 16 can take advantage of a limited number of special one-to-one forging workshops with The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

Short sessions will take place outdoors in the museum courtyard. This is a public space, but the forge area will be roped off and not accessible to the public (although it can be seen by other visitors). There will be 4 workstations to accommodate 4 participants at a time.

Each child or young person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and you’ll need to complete a booking and consent form and read the safety briefing. Please note that for safety reasons the parent of guardian accompanying the participating child must stay with them throughout and must not be solely responsible for any other children or young people 16 or under who are at the venue at the same time.

The session will begin with togging up in protective gear (all provided): leather apron, spats, safety glasses/over-specs, gloves and ear defenders or ear plugs (forging can be noisy!). Before you start work at the anvil, you’ll take part in a Blacksmith’s safety briefing. Then you’ll be ready to begin your blacksmithing journey!

Please arrive in good time and come prepared:

  • Wear close-fitting, old and non-flammable clothes for example; denim jeans and a close-fitting cotton T-shirt/jumper

  • If your hair is long, please tie it back

  • Wear sturdy, closed, non-flammable footwear – ideally leather boots

  • Come ready to listen carefully to your Blacksmith at all times and follow their instructions.

Parents / guardians / teachers: Please read the safety briefing sheet for further details. If you have any questions contact Tom Quinnell via tom@fireandiron.co.uk or by calling 01372 375148.

Each session lasts around one hour and costs £5 per person, payable to the Museum on the day. Please arrive promptly 10 minutes before the start of your session and check-in at the small marquee in the courtyard near the entrance to The Museum in the Park.

Friday 12 September (sessions available to pre-book only):

  • 10am (3 places available)

  • 11am (3 places available)

  • 1pm (3 places available)

  • 2pm (3 places available)

  • 3pm (3 places available)

Saturday 13 September (sessions available to book or attend on the day, on a first come first served basis)

  • 10am (3 places available)

  • 11am (3 places available)

  • 12noon (3 places available)

  • 2pm (3 places available)

  • 3pm (3 places available)

Sunday 14 September (come along on the day – first come, first served!)

  • 10am (4 places available)

  • 11am (4 places available)

To book, or if you have any questions or queries, please contact Tom Quinnell via tom@fireandiron.co.uk or by calling 01372 375148.

For more information about visiting the Museum and the Earth Fire Iron programme contact Abigail Large via abigail.large@stroud.gov.uk or 01453 763394

These special workshops are part of ‘Inspired’ – the British Artists Blacksmiths Association AGM Weekend and Earth Fire Iron exhibition programme. Photographs © Dave Dewson Photography 2012.