A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

22 Sep 14'

Robin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was brought for me as a birthday present and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was well organised and structured with everything being explained very clearly and the facilities were excellent. I also have to comment on the food which was brilliant - it was worth a day just for the lunch!!"

7 Sep 14'

Walter van Opstal reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fab day with a very friendly and helpful tutor. Lots of hands-on time with a very good balance between guided and independent work. Very welcoming and fantastic food too! Thank you."

5 Aug 14'

Neil Colquhoun reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I attended the one day course about a week ago and have to echo my fellow attendees comments.it was absolutely brilliant. Adrian's a patient and helpful instructor,giving us a hands on demonstration of all that we would try to make,then encouraging us to have a go and assisting where needed.I would encourage anyone to attend the course as it is fun and the pride you feel when you have accomplished the three pieces of work that are part of this one day "taster" course is immense. The food that Debbie prepared for us was superb,home made cakes,biscuits and a lovely lunch.I can't wait to hear about some other courses."

29 Jul 14'

Jonathan Wriglesworth reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife bought me this as a birthday gift knowing that I fancied having a go at blacksmithing. Absolutely loved it, really interesting and hands on day. I have gone from an absolute beginner to feeling competent enough to have a go on my own as a hobby - would also love to do any follow up courses on more advanced techniques. Adrian was a brilliant and patient teacher and everybody was able to progress at their own pace. Extra praise for the sublime cakes and food served throughout the day. Well worth it!"

29 Jul 14'

Chris and Jonathan Sowden reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An excellent course that we highly recommend. We were both complete novices. This was not a problem at all. The five people on the course each had plenty of room and lots of hands on metalwork. Adrian is a very clear and patient teacher. He guided us through our projects and we each came away with objects that we felt proud of. There was a warm, safe, friendly atmosphere to the whole day. Lunch was great, quiche, local breads and cheeses and a delicious raspberry dessert provided by Debbie. Once again a very good course that I will happily recommend."

15 Jul 14'

Gill Segger reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic day! We were greeted with coffee/tea and homemade cake, then down to business! Adrian is an excellent (calm and patient) teacher. He modelled what we were making in stages which was excellent because it was a lot to take in. We all made some pretty amazing key rings and a wall mounted coat rack,each one being unique! Lunch,was another hit,beautifully presented,especially the local cheeses, and very plentiful . I would certainly recommend this course to anyone. Adrian and Debbie( the in house Mary Berry) have the balance just right. Thanks,Gill"

12 Jul 14'

Stu Nicholson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Amazing course! Presented with a coffee on arrival (much needed) and after a quick H&S talk we got straight down to hitting hot metal! Adrian took time to show us how to heat the metal and hammer it accurately and was always on hand for any questions, tips and a helping out with mistakes! Fantastic teacher and an awesome day! Was beyond pleased with what I made! Quick mention for the lunch as well which was exquisite!"

30 Jun 14'

Abi Baxter reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I booked on this course for my husband's Christmas present and we booked a course for June. We were greeted with cups of tea and homemade biscuits on arrival which we had while Adrian went through all the health and safety information and explained what we would be doing during the day. We had a demonstration of our first project which was very well explained but not as easy as it looked when an expert was doing it! Once we had finished our keyrings we had a break for tea and homemade cake before getting onto our next project. Again, the demonstration was very good and Adrian came round to each of us to give us tips and help where we needed it. By lunch time we had completed a leaf hook and we were all really hungry ready for our lunch. The food was very nice, all homemade and local produce. After lunch we were onto our final project for the day, a coat hook with 3 hooks. This project was demonstrated with some different techniques including riveting, but we weren't following a set design this time and could add our own design to it. Overall the day was very enjoyable and we came away with 3 finished items each. We knew it would be hard work physically but it was also really tough to get the metal to do what you wanted it too! Adrian was a very good instructor, friendly and very patient with our beginners skills! The food was all lovely too. We would recommend the course, it was definitely value for money!"

30 Jun 14'

Roger Williamson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very good, informative and professional course balanced by friendly and enthusiastic tuition. Impressed by the scope of work carried out here alongside these courses, obviously this work is sought after and I have seen many examples in the area and in outlets. We produced useful items to take home. Plenty of tea/coffee/ refreshments during the day."

29 Jun 14'

Amanda Tomlinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Most fun I've had with my clothes on as they say!! A relaxed educational experience and it was so refreshing to be able to put any 'mistakes' back into the fire . . . and start again. The food was also worthy of note - absolutely gorgeous and very plentiful. Debbie and Adrian make an exceptional team. A course voucher makes a different and interesting gift appropriate for almost any adult. You do need to be reasonably fit but Adrian helps anyone who is struggling (me!) Unreservedly recommended."

29 Jun 14'

Adrian Fox reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Wow! What an amazing day. After a welcoming cuppa and fantastic cake, a quick H&S briefing and down to business. The step by step instruction from Adrian is paced just right for all, and a helping hand if you need it. On top of all that the catering is delicious, homemade and locally sourced. I can't wait to go again!"

29 Jun 14'

Matthew Richardson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day. Adrian is an excellent teacher the course is fun well paced and really enjoyable. I was amazed at how quick you start making your own items. The food and refreshments provided were delicous. I would go on the day again just for the sheer fun of it."

24 Jul 12'

Simon Chalk reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A really great day. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who don't feel particularly artistic but think they must have some creativity somewhere in them! Adrian presents you with the ideas and designs and shows you the required techniques but the artistic flair is yours to express. Really informal and relaxed and the other folk at the centre are similarly enthusiastic and helpful. The food and coffee are great and to top it off it's even a nice drive there and back (from Otley anyway). I have no hesitation in recommending this course."