Pierre Chareau

The blacksmithing course came about as a result of inheriting the Nungatta blacksmithing equipment. I have long held a desire to mix forged steel with woodworking, inspired by Pierre Chareau's work from the 1950's.

Blacksmithing at Sturt

Sturt has long held a position of educating fine crafts. It was established in 1941 at Mittagong in NSW's Southern Highlands as a centre for excellence of Australian craft and design. I have various connections with this school, in particular John Gallagher, my woodworking teacher, is a product of Sturt's School for Wood.

It was inevitable I was going to end up doing a course there.... I'm just home from a week of blacksmithing. My ears are ringing, my arms hurt from swinging a hammer but I now have an appreciation of this craft.  I'll admit I went with a level of trepidation, concerned I didn't have enough hand knitted clothing to fit in but was pleasantly surprised. Some samples of my work below.

http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/