Craftmasters' Festival - Blacksmith Workshops

Join us for a weekend of practical workshops as part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival, learning from skilled craftspeople, using traditional techniques and heritage equipment.

The Peninsula's Master Blacksmith Les Schenkel will demonstrate the art and skill of working the forge to craft beautiful items from metal out of the museum's forge.

You will then work one-on-one with Les and assistant Thung Chutrchaivech for a session to forge your own piece which you can take home with you to show off to friends and family. Personal sessions are approximately 15-20 minutes each. When waiting for your one-on-one you may observe the work of other participants and/or look around the museum.

Session times are:

Saturday 23 October 2021: 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday 24 October 2021: 10 am – 2 pm
Monday 25 October 2021: 10 am – 2 pm

Tutors: Les Schenkel and Thung Chutrchaivech.
Maximum 10 per workshop.

Please note: This workshop involves working in an environment with extreme heat, noise and other potential hazards. It involves physical work hammering steel. You will need to bring your own gloves, protective goggles and earplugs. Participants should wear appropriate clothing, covered footwear and have no loose clothing or hair.