Discover the creative side of traditional blacksmithing with our Forged Geometry Sculpture Course at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon. Spend a day exploring how simple lengths of steel can be transformed into striking geometric forms and sculptural pieces using fire, hammer and anvil.
Working with a coal-fired forge, hand-operated bellows and traditional hand tools, you’ll explore techniques including tapering, splitting, twisting and joining steel. You’ll learn how to combine shapes, textures and structural elements to create a unique piece of forged metal sculpture.
With your own forge and anvil, and guidance from our blacksmiths throughout the day, you’ll have the freedom to experiment with different forms and develop your own design. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration and understanding how hot steel can be shaped into something unexpected.
No previous blacksmithing experience is needed, and you’ll take home the sculpture you’ve created.
What you’ll do
Your day begins with an introduction to the forge, tools and techniques used in traditional blacksmithing. You’ll learn how to light and control your coal fire using hand-operated bellows, recognise the correct working temperatures and safely handle hot steel.
Working at your own forge and anvil, you’ll explore a range of techniques used to create decorative and sculptural ironwork. We’ll demonstrate how to draw out tapers, split and twist steel, create textures and form simple joints and connections.
As your confidence grows, you’ll begin combining these techniques to create your own geometric sculpture. You’ll experiment with shapes, angles and proportions, learning how individual forged elements can be brought together into a balanced three-dimensional form.
Throughout the day, our blacksmiths will demonstrate each technique and provide individual guidance, helping you develop your ideas while gaining practical experience with traditional forging methods.
By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own hand-forged steel sculpture to take home.
Perfect for beginners
You don’t need any previous blacksmithing or metalworking experience to enjoy our Forged Geometry Sculpture Course. We’ll introduce you to the tools and techniques step by step, giving you the confidence to explore the creative possibilities of forging hot steel.
With your own coal-fired forge and anvil, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise traditional techniques, experiment with different shapes and develop your ideas. Our blacksmiths will demonstrate each stage and provide individual guidance throughout the day.
This course is as much about exploring ideas as it is about learning practical skills. There’s no need to be an experienced artist or designer — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment. You’ll be surprised by what you can create with fire, hammer and anvil.
What you’ll make
During your Forged Geometry Sculpture Course, you’ll create your own hand-forged steel sculpture, exploring how simple shapes and traditional blacksmithing techniques can be combined to produce something completely unique.
Using techniques such as tapering, splitting, twisting, texturing and forming joints, you’ll develop a sculptural piece that reflects your own ideas. You might explore angular geometric forms, flowing curves or more abstract structures, experimenting with the relationship between shape, balance and texture.
We’ll help you develop a design that’s achievable within the day, guiding you through the practical challenges of forging and assembling your sculpture. The emphasis is on creativity and craftsmanship, rather than following a prescribed pattern.
At the end of the day, you’ll take home your finished steel sculpture — a unique piece of handmade metalwork and a lasting reminder of the skills you’ve learned.
Who Is This Experience For?
This course is ideal for anyone who enjoys making things, experimenting with materials or exploring their creative side. Whether you’re an artist, designer, keen maker or simply curious about working with hot steel, it’s an opportunity to try something different.
You don’t need any previous blacksmithing or artistic experience. We’ll introduce you to the tools and techniques, then help you develop your own ideas into a unique piece of forged sculpture.
Book Your Forged Geometry Course
Ready to explore the creative side of traditional blacksmithing?
Choose an available date and book your Forged Geometry Sculpture Course at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon. Spend a day experimenting with shapes, textures and traditional forging techniques to create your own unique steel sculpture.
All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. No previous blacksmithing experience is needed, and you’ll take home the sculpture you’ve created.
Want to try more blacksmithing?
Enjoyed exploring the creative possibilities of forging steel? Our One-Day Blacksmithing Experience offers the chance to develop your traditional forging skills while making practical pieces such as hooks and fire pokers.
If you’d like to take on a different challenge, our One-Day Knife Making Experience introduces traditional blade forging, while our Two-Day Knife Making and Two-Day Axe Making courses give you more time to explore the craft and complete a larger project.
Explore our full range of traditional blacksmithing courses to find the experience that interests you, or give someone the opportunity to try forging for themselves with an Old Pound Smithy gift voucher.
