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 Cold Hanworth Forge and Blacksmithing School is based in the heart of Lincolnshire and we are renowned for our craftmanship in ironwork. Under the guidance of professional blacksmith, Bob Oakes, we also offer professional and vocational blacksmithing courses as well as training and tuition in blacksmithing and forge work for all levels of ability.
We are a working forge as well as a blacksmithing school and our site covers all aspects of our work. From blacksmithing courses to commissions, you will be able to find it from one of the links here or on the navigation menu at the top of the screen. Of course, if you would like to see more of what we have to offer, you can take a look at our new Gallery. We have photographs of our Students' work as well as our own work and you can also watch our Introductory video. To see our Gallery, click here , or select 'Gallery' from the menu at the top of the screen. |
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This year will continue with a variety of courses to suit all interests and levels of ability; and what better than to give your nearest and dearest a gift of one of our Blacksmithing courses. By doing so, you would receive one of our unique gift cards in order to make that present really special!.. A variety of excellent accommodation is available, please click this link for futher information; http://www.teachblacksmithing.com/course-accommodation/  We are extremely fortunate that Don Barker who starred as the Blacksmith in the Master Crafts series on BBC2; http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00r34zx/Mastercrafts_Blacksmithing/ has agreed to run a course in Flowers Leaves and Organic forms from the 19th-21st of August and teach how to forge 'Pure Iron'; a material similar in properties to the iron manufactured in the early Charcoal Furnaces. The material is perfectly suitable for both historical and sculptural work. The cost of the course will be £310.00 (£290.00 if paid for with booking) otherwise a £100 deposit is required. Two lunches and two evening meals at a local restaurant. are included in the cost of this course. It is an opportunity not to be missed! 'IRON IN THE BLOOD' by Bob Oakes (alias; Frederick John Pope), has taken two and a half years to write and its Publication is Imminent! The book will be on sale price £9.99 plus P&P  Though the names of places and characters portrayed within this book have been changed, the content is based upon true happenings and events 'Iron in the Blood' is a unique portrayal of the blacksmith's craft endeavouring to thrive as a successful business in this day and age, therefore providing invaluable advice to any one who is considering making blacksmithing their hobby or career, Hopefully you will find it to be a wonderful read, full of humourous anecdotes and social history. The story also relates an incredible personal discovery which is intended to captivate, entertain and amaze! Please register your interest by emailing;
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or enter your full details in the 'Contact us'; section of the site if you wish us to reserve you a copy. Suzie Smith; editor of COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE WRITES; "For over 40 years Bob Oakes has worked his magic with metal – crafting it into everything from classic architectural ironwork to contemporary sculpture. His enduring passion and fascination for his craft have led him to inspire, teach and motivate apprentices so the skill of blacksmithing can be carried on for further generations. THIS IS HIS STORY:" Here then is the opening paragraph of the book in order to wet ones appetite; 'My nose was almost frozen to the murky windowpane as I peered to catch a glimpse of a swarthy figure wearing a frayed leather apron hammering away upon the anvil. I stood transfixed as showers of sparks cascaded through the air, illuminating the dimly lit room, dancing off the antiquated tools, shelves, benches and beams that were covered in a layer of a greyish brown dust, untouched by a brush for generations. I saw the forge fire brought to life by a steady pumping of a massive set of bellows, which seemed to time the rhythm and ring of the hammer upon the anvil. It was a musical accompaniment to the firework display, a bewitching sight, one that myself as an impressionable ten year old could watch for hours and incidentally, not realizing that it was setting the stage for most of my later working life'. IRONWORK FOR DOVER CASTLE:
The blacksmiths at Cold Hanworth Forge have recently completed the ironwork for a major historical project; working with Wyvern Forge in Warwickshire and being contracted to N.E.J. Stevensons ( Cabinet makers to the Queen): We have produced period ironwork for reproduction medieval furniture, forming part of English Heritage's major exhibition in the Great Tower of Dover Castle which has been decorated in preparation for the arrival of King Henry the 2nd.  Many craftsman throughout the country working in a multitude of disciplines, have transformed the Castle as to how it would have looked in the Twelth Century; the whole project having neen researched by historians, archaeologists and historical designers. Our picture ishows an oak chest adorned with hinge straps and banding terminating in hand forged dragons heads and also the Chancel screens and gates which we have made for the Kings Chapel in the Castle. Click http://www.teachblacksmithing.com/forge-work/dover-castle/ to view more images and a complete description of the project.
We are now on Face Book under the name of Bob Oakes Please join us as a friend in order to receive day by day news and gossip from the forge. |
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Cold Hanworth Forge has recently gained an important and prestigious award in recognition of its outstanding support for future Artisans; The 2009 Balvenie/Country Living Magazine; Artisan Mentor of the year.  Bob was presented with this award at a ceremony held at the beautiful Cliveden House Hotel on the eighth of October together with the award winners of the three other categories. Full information and photographs can be found by visiting http://www.thebalvenie.com/en-gb/art_awards_cat09.php or by reading the November edition of the Country Living Magazine.
On many occasions our students have brought with them their wives and partners,not to take part in the Blacksmithing, but simply to have a break and to explore new suroundings. We have a wonderful city to visit with its Cathedral and historic buildings though not every one would wish to spend the whole of their stay in Lincoln. Marianne Nixey, http://www.mariannenixey.com/landscape.html a local professional artist has offered to provide afternoon art workshops in mixed media at Cold Hanworth Forge, working in our classroom. The cost for the student would be £25 per session of three hours, including all art materials and tea/coffee. This is a superb opportunity for both partners to take part in activities at our establishment at Cold Hanworth. Although the price of the art workshops do not include meals such as do our main Blacksmithing courses, it would be envisaged that partners would eat together at the local restaurant both at Lunch time and in the evenings. We would also allow other students to take part in these workshops as a separate entity by themselves. Please inform me if you are interested. The photograph shows a number of happy students proudly displaying their completed pieces on one of the Basic Beginners Courses. and what a high standard they were! In just short of three days this must be the finest Basic Beginners course available! The sheer amount of techniques learned, the teamwork, enjoyment and social interaction developed, all add up to a thouroughly worthwhile and unforgetable experience. A number of those who came are now book on other more advanced courses such as toolmaking, sculpture and our 'Make your own Forge. Please click the Courses menue in order to view what we have organised for the near future. |
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Coke Forges
 Manufactured by Cold Hanworth Forge and Blacksmithing School this professional forge hearth has to be one of the finest available on the market today, Complete with a 3000 rpm, 1HP single phase blower, large capacity back-bosh, breastplate and a 760mm -1mtre square hearth, 225mm deep with adjustable side gates for heating long bars. The forge is manufactured from sturdy steel plate and its canopy can be made for either side or top flue outlet. This forge costing £1200 plus vat is probably the best value around and is ideal for both amateur and professional alike. Please contact us for details of all our forging equipment.
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Introductory Videos
 Cold Hanworth Forge isn't just any old working forge. From the range of courses we offer to the sculptures we hand-finish, we are unique. You can find out more from our introductory videos .
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