Short courses on the basic techniques of hot iron forging

Mastro Corradin – La Bottega del Ferro Battuto, located in the Medieval Village of Turin, offers two types of educational activities: one for adults and one for schools of all levels. The aim is to share traditional blacksmithing skills and introduce participants to the unique and fascinating world of wrought iron craftsmanship.

For adults, the workshop offers short, hands-on courses that provide the opportunity to experience the art of creating unique handcrafted objects under the guidance of a professional blacksmith in a single session lasting a few hours.

For schools, 1- or 2-hour workshops are organised in a single session on dates agreed with the school. The activities include:

Heads or Tails – Mint Your Own Coin

A demonstration of traditional blacksmithing, including an introduction to the history of the blacksmith’s trade, an explanation of medieval coin minting, and the opportunity for each participant to strike a replica of a medieval coin.

Memories of Iron – Between Blacksmiths and Knights

A demonstration of traditional blacksmithing, including an introduction to the history of the blacksmith’s trade, an exploration of medieval chainmail armour, and the creation of a small piece of jewellery using a sample of chainmail.

Course Content

Adult Workshops

Adult workshops last 4 or 5 hours and take place in a single session, usually on Saturdays, according to a monthly schedule. They are designed for beginners and may be repeated to gradually develop participants’ skills, although they are not intended as professional training.

Iron Forging
Learn the basic techniques of hot iron forging (shaping and wax finishing) while creating a traditional medieval everyday object by hand.

Knife Forging
Make a fully forged medieval-style iron knife using basic techniques including shaping, grinding, heat treatment and sharpening.

Knives 2.0
Create a knife with a steel blade and wooden handle, learning the different stages of production, including grinding, heat treatment, handle fitting and sharpening.

Ancient Jewellery
Learn to create jewellery inspired by historical designs using copper wire and other materials, employing cold-forming techniques and tin soldering.

Skills Acquired

An introduction to the art of blacksmithing for recreational and hobby purposes.

Language of instruction: Italian.

Certificate

A certificate of participation is awarded at the end of each workshop.

Admission Requirements

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Materials

All materials and equipment are provided by the workshop.

Contact

Contact person: Chiara Airola Tavan
Email: mail@bottegadelferro.it
Telephone: +39 011 6699170