Regarding courses

Adrian Wood - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 2:07am

I wonder if i may ask some of you guys some questions. I have recently been approached by a very good client friend of mine who has a stunning property in a town called Staithes situated in North Yorkshire. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and for its links to art groups. He has renovated the property he inherited from his mother and converted some old buildings into apartments/ accommodation, a gallery, conference rooms music rooms etc. He wishes to use the site as an artists retreat/ holiday home and to promote some art tourism for the area. Now my reason for posting this question. He has asked me to organize and run blacksmithing courses from some old farm barns using his site, the accommodation, his large grounds, woodland walks etc. Do any of you guys run or know any one who runs residential blacksmithing courses? I would really appreciate some feedback as to whether or not i should invest not only alot of effort but also some finances into pursuing this venture. What are the pitfalls, pro`s & cons? What sort of things do i need to know and be aware of? What and where would i have to concentrate advertising? Is it the sort of thing that attracts paying guests/tourists. In short is it worth doing?
I look forward to your feedback
Regards Adrian

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Just watch out Bob Oakes

Will Jones - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 4:28am

Just watch out Bob Oakes doesn't take out a contract on you!

Will Jones, www.ironwill.org.uk

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Adrian- This sounds like a

Rob Sigafoos - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 7:52am

Adrian-
This sounds like a interesting idea. I certainly couldn't advise you on this financially, but the idea of an artisan short course/bed and breakfast sort of thing in the English countryside sounds great. One could certainly do a lot worse for a vacation!
Good luck!
Rob

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courses

Giusseppe - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 8:17am

Adrian, one of the best setups in the UK to emulate is West Dean College near Chichester ... they have been running crafts and art courses of a very high standard for over 30 years ... your patron could gain a lot by examining their approach.

As you probably know I ran a similar forge at Ironbridge for a few years and I have continued to have at least one workshop for the public ever since .... usually near a long term commission so that people can learn and get involved.

Pros ...lots of new energy and the pleasure of seeing the skills spreading
cons ...difficult sometimes to keep the flow of your personal work and lots of safety issues.
If this is somewhere you go to once in a while then you will find it difficult to balance the expenses with the income.
If, however it becomes your base then in the long run it can be a great investment for your personal development ...provided you can keep a clear demarkation of what is your space and where the public are welcome...

good luck ... and feel free to email me if you want specifics

Giussepppe

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Many thanks for your

Adrian Wood - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 2:45pm

Many thanks for your comments Giuseppe, they are very welcome and encouraging. I may well email you or even call if that is ok and have a chat if possible? Again may thanks.
Adrian

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It really depends on how

Ries - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 9:38am

It really depends on how ambitious you are.
A big program would require staff, a fair investment in equipment, and be a full time venture.

On the other hand, a couple of different blacksmiths who live near me teach classes regularly, and do quite well at it, in their personal shops.

You might want to look at the info, and perhaps email and ask questions of,
These two Smiths-
Jerry Culberson at Old Cedar Forge
http://www.oldcedarforge.com/

and
Darryl Nelson at Meridian Forge
He teaches workshops both at his own place and at historic Mt. Hood Lodge
Cant find a website for him, but here is the Mt. Hood info.
http://www.artscabins.org/classesandworkshops.asp

Both do probably 8 or more workshops a year, a few days to a week each.

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Hi Ries , Thanks for the

Adrian Wood - Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 2:49pm

Hi Ries , Thanks for the info i am about to check out the websites you have provided. I am sure they will be of help and i will get back to you soon.
Many many thanks,
Adrian

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