History - Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

The School was set up by Pauline and Richard Quinnell in 1996, at Richard's world-famous Rowhurst Forge, in reponse to many requests from customers of the Forge and of Lucy Quinnell's Fire and Iron Gallery next door, another world-famous centre for craftsmanship in iron.

Since then the School has served well over 600 happy students.

We offer 2 different weekend courses, each run by master craftsmen who are also experienced and sympathetic teachers of the blacksmith's craft: Peat Oberon, who was our tutor from the very first course; and Peter Parkinson, who joined us not much later. They are ably assisted by Eamonn Kenward and Matt Galpin, who are both also very experienced craftsmen and teachers, and who ensure that all students have as much help and advice as they need.

You can download further information about our tutors from our Courses Page

Richard Quinnell has been a key figure in the revival of blacksmithing in the United Kingdom, and was responsible for the foundation of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) , which was formed at an inaugural 'forge-in' at Rowhurst Forge in 1978, and which now has about 700 members world-wide. For more information on the vibrant world of blacksmithing visit BABA's website http://www.baba.org.uk/