PRESS RELEASE: Elland forge passes 200 lessons as beginners take up blacksmithing

A small independent forge in West Yorkshire is keeping traditional metalworking skills alive by teaching complete beginners at the anvil.

Bionic Cat Blacksmith, an independent forge at Bridge End Works in Elland, has now taught more than 200 lessons to people trying blacksmithing and bladesmithing for the first time. As heritage organisations highlight how many traditional crafts depend on skills being passed on, the forge is opening its doors to anyone aged 11 and over who wants to learn.

Blacksmith Leon Williamson set up the forge in 2015. Alongside his commissions, which include gates, railings, staircases, signs and sculpture, as well as the restoration of historic ironwork, he teaches hands-on sessions at the anvil. Lessons are one to one unless booked as a group, and all tools and protective equipment are provided.

Sessions range from a two-hour taster, in which beginners make a small decorative or useful item, to full days of forging and bladesmithing. There’s also a two-day Damascus steel course, where students forge and finish a blade in layered, pattern-welded steel. Everyone takes home what they make.

Some of Leon’s smaller work is closer to the jeweller’s bench. He forges pendants, such as an iron troll cross, and copper wands set with amethyst, alongside twisted steel and dragon claw door handles.

“Most people who come to the forge have never been near one before,” says Leon. “They arrive a bit wary of the fire and the tools, and by the end they are in charge of both, holding something they made themselves. Every person who learns to move hot metal is one more pair of hands keeping the craft alive. I’m a small independent forge, and it’s a privilege to pass on what I know.”

The forge welcomes individuals, couples, families and business teams, and gift vouchers are available for every session.

Find out more: bioniccatblacksmith.com | Instagram: @bionic_cat_blacksmith

All photographs: Bionic Cat Blacksmith.