Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 08:24 am
Butser Ancient Farm, a unique experimental archaeology site nestled in the rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park, will be hosting over 50 blacksmiths from 18th to 20th August. The British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) and Butser Ancient Farm are teaming up to demonstrate this ancient craft and share how it has developed over time.
Shona Johnson, Chairperson of BABA, said “Blacksmithing and iron work has shaped the world we live in today and Butser Ancient Farm is the perfect place to share this incredible story. BABA are very excited to be taking over the beautiful open air museum and sharing the way Iron work developed over time, as well as demonstrating the amazing talents of modern blacksmiths from around the country’
Rachel Bingham, Creative Developer at Butser Ancient Farm, said “We’re very excited to be hosting such a large number of talented blacksmiths at the farm this summer. Butser Ancient Farm all began over 50 years ago as a site exploring life in the Iron Age, when blacksmithing first began, so it is very fitting to be continuing to explore and celebrate this incredible craft, not only looking at how it has developed over time but the beautiful artform it is today.’
Visitors to Butser Ancient Farm this August will be able to watch expert blacksmiths in action smelting, forging, and more, and listen to free talks in the Roundhouse to explore the history and future of Blacksmithing. There will also be the opportunity to join in with some hands on crafts for the whole family, meet newborn goat kids, take part in a childrens trail, see archaeological experiments in action and more.
All demonstrations and talks are included in normal admission prices to Butser Ancient Farm. For more details visit the event page on the Butser website.
On 18th to 20th August, Butser Ancient Farm will be taken over by over 50 blacksmiths from the British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA). Demonstrations and talks of this ancient craft will allow visitors to explore how it has developed from the Iron Age smiths of over 2000 years ago, to the modern craft it is today. Shona Johnson, Chairperson of BABA, said: “Blacksmithing and iron work has shaped the world we live in today and Butser Ancient Farm is the perfect place to share this incredible story.”
Rachel Bingham, Creative Developer at Butser Ancient Farm, added: “Butser Ancient Farm all began over 50 years ago as a site exploring life in the Iron Age, when blacksmithing first began, so it is very fitting to be continuing to explore and celebrate this incredible craft, not only looking at how it has developed over time but the beautiful artform it is today.”
Visitors will be able to watch expert blacksmiths in action smelting, forging, and more, and listen to free talks in the Roundhouse to explore the history and future of Blacksmithing. There will also be the opportunity to join in with some hands on crafts for the whole family, meet newborn goat kids, take part in a childrens trail, see archaeological experiments in action and more. All demonstrations and talks are included in normal admission prices to Butser Ancient Farm. For more details visit the event page on the Butser website.
