Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/04/2022
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Bridlington Priory Rooms
Category(ies)
The monastic Priory must have been a hive of craft activity in stone, wood, glass and much more. To commemorate this, there will be a series of workshops on alternate Saturdays through the season. Each workshop will offer a small group the chance to work with an expert to practise some of the skills involved.
Workshop Tutor: David Cooper
Introduction
David Cooper is a highly experienced blacksmith and holds the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. His firm specialises in the conservation, restoration and reproduction of period architectural wrought iron, as well as contemporary designs, all using traditional blacksmithing techniques. He has completed many craft commissions, which include the votive candlestand in the Priory. He frequently gives demonstrations of the craft at shows and other outdoor events.
In the Middle Ages, the blacksmith was a valued craftsman, a key member of the community. Many monasteries had their own blacksmith who might indeed be a monk (see picture opposite). As well as providing horseshoes, the smith would make and mend tools, door fittings, chains, and many other objects, for the domestic quarters, the farms and indeed for the church. The invention of the bellows allowed the medieval blacksmith to control the temperature of the fire much better than by blowing on it.
The Aims of the Workshop
Participants were offered the opportunity to see David at work, and learned how to heat and forge metal. Each participant produced a traditional forged metal item.
Image Gallery
Bookings
This event is fully booked.
