Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing

Contact name: Richard Bent

78
Total bookings

Rating

(25)

over 9 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

STOP PRESS: CHAMPION BLACKSMITH 2024. I was honoured to receive the Champion Blacksmith Award by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths at their Awards Luncheon in London on 24.10.2024. I am Richard Bent FWCB, a Silver medal holder from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. I offer Experience Days in the Basic Skills of Blacksmithing from my well equipped workshop/forge in Halwell, Nr. Totnes, Devon. I offer tuition to the absolute beginner and those who may wish to build on previous experience. The student will leave the course having produced several different projects and an overwhelming sense of achievement. My first interest in blacksmithing was watching Blacksmiths working at County Agricultural Shows. I was Hooked! I had to learn more! How? Where? No You Tube! Only books from which to learn. No Craft Courses in those days! I read and practised all I could, then started in business as a self taught blacksmith. I watched other blacksmiths and ‘stole’ with my eyes! So here I am, with over 45 years experience, running my own courses; I offer all students over the age of 17 years the opportunity to be me for a day! You will create some beautiful pieces to “Wow” your family and friends.

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Totnes

Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

6 hours

Next date: 27th Jun 2025

1 place left

(25)

£125.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

25 May 25'

Ben & Rowan reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"This course was great. Richard is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft, the level of instruction was good in demonstrating what we were making but we were also left to work independently, with Richard supervising and there to help as required. The workspace was fully equipped with everything we needed. We made a coiled wall hook and a decorative mouse which we were able to keep. We would definitely recommend this experience and would happily book with Richard again."

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you for your review Ben and Rowan, it was really great to meet you, and I am so pleased to pass on my skills and passion for my art. You were willing and attentive and created pieces of which you should be mightily pleased. I look forward to meeting you again should you wish to attend in the future. Kind regards Richard "

11 May 25'

Andy & Emma S. reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"Really great day, we learned lots and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard is super helpful and keeps a close eye on safety but also stands back and lets you get on with it. Plenty of breaks for coffee and chocolate biscuits in a lovely setting - and all communication beforehand was friendly and useful. Overall, this craft day is highly recommended, we’ll definitely come back again. Thanks!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Andy and Emma, it was great to meet you and glad we were able to coordinate things. I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day and gained a great deal from it. I’m always thrilled with the items made by attendees. It’s a great deal to take in and you both did extremely well. Kind regards Richard "

9 Apr 25'

Alison reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"I absolutely LOVED this day; Richard and Will were excellent patient teachers and I learned so much! I particularly enjoyed being able to try the various heating and metal working techniques (although my favourite was charcoal, hammer and anvil!) I went with one idea of what I wanted to make and very quickly changed my mind which I think Richard and Will are very used to! ;-) I would definitely recommend doing this with Richard and Will and would love to do it again! "

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Alison for your kind review. I was pleased to meet you and it was a great joy to see how much you gained from the experience. Passing on my skill always gives me great satisfaction. As you say we are used to students developing their ideas and will do all we can to ensure the outcome is to their liking. As you say Will is very patient and he too enjoyed the day honing his teaching skills. Kind regards Richard "

30 Mar 25'

Alan House reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"I enjoyed the day and the experience of working in the forge. Richard has a free-style of teaching to your needs and was always available for advice or to demonstrate a technique. I had a few ideas of things I wanted to make and succeeded in the end. We had a group of four of us all making different things with the steel provided. There is plenty of space and tools to use. I now know something of the shades of orange! "

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Good morning Alan, thank you for your kind review. It’s great that you felt you could explore your ideas and you were able to fulfil them. I’m really pleased that my skills can be passed on to others and you have certainly shown your ability and skill. Richard "