Welcome
to the Rural Arts Centre
Stepney
City Farm
History
The Rural Arts Centre (RAC) at Stepney City Farm was the
brain child of Artist Blacksmith Ian Lowe. Alongside early members Sean
Marshall, Keith Stern-Pirlot, Jhan sorry I can’t remember your surname, Richard
Pace & Manda Halal, the idea was for a collective of traditional crafters
and artists to work together to promote and keep alive those trades that were
in danger of being lost. Dotted around
the farm in various buildings and sheds they set about doing just that. In 2012 Crossrail built the RAC a permanent
home. The new Rural Arts Centre that you
can see today.
Today
Most of those founder members have since moved on to pastures
new. The RAC has now evolved into a
building rather than a collective. With new members Neil Stuart, Barn the spoon
& Jessica Joslin the 3 independent workshops still carry on the original
idea of keeping their respective trades alive and passing on the skills to
generations old and new. After the opening of the new RAC building we received
3 years of funding from Tower Hamlets Council.
In recent months the farms new education officer, Fiona Stone, has been
working hard to promote the artists skills and teaching experience to local
schools and youth groups.
Blacksmithing – The Blacksmiths Workshop
Neil Stuart,
a 3rd generation blacksmith, is the newest but, with over 50yrs
experience in the craft, the most experienced member of the RAC.
In Neil’s own words: I left
school at the age of fourteen and a half, and entered into a blacksmithing
apprenticeship. On completion I registered with the
Worshipful Company Of Blacksmiths (the governing body
for
blacksmiths) at the age of 21. I then travelled
extensively worldwide as
a freelance blacksmith. I returned to England in 1991
at the request of
the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Society to
revive 'The Much
Hadham Forge'. This was a restoration project in a 14th
century
bellows operated forge. The project ran for 3 years and
is still operating
as a successful business. From there I started 'Hackney
Forge' at
Victoria Park Road, Hackney. In 1997 I returned to
Auckland (New
Zealand) for a design and build bridge project which
lasted for 2 years.
I returned to England in 1999 and started 'Design
Design' in Sunbury
on Thames, a blacksmiths consultancy and design
business. Due to the drift of light industry away from
the east end of London
generally, I found myself in the position of being one
of only four qualified
blacksmiths in the London area and the only one in
Hackney (there were 109 in 1945).
At the forge we carry out many varied
commissions for clients as well as being some of London’s most respected
craftsmen in historic ironwork restoration.
The courses have developed over a period of time, and try not
to be project or schedule driven but allow the student to develop their own
style at their own pace, the early learners and the youngest students are only
8 years old, but you wouldn't believe the enthusiasm and fun had by all. The
adult basic blacksmithing course is a follow on course to Introduction to
Blacksmithing or a standalone course highly suited to corporate groups.
Hospital groups, school groups, social club groups are also welcome
For more information:
www.designblacksmith.co.uk – www.blacksmithingcourses.co.uk – neilsteel@designblacksmith.co.uk – rp.artistblacksmith@gmail.com
Woodwork
For more information: www.thegreenwoodguild.com
Pottery
Events
The farm’s rural artists run FREE
crafty Saturdays throughout the year.
It’s a good opportunity to try out our beloved crafts for yourself.
7th
February Forge – Coat Hooks
7th
March Forge - key rings
4th
April Pottery-clay sheep,
Wood-drop spindles and fun in the forge
2nd
May Wood-whistles
6th
June Forge – tea light holders
4th
July Craft Festival – All of
our workshops and guest artists & craftsperson’s
1st
August Knitters tbc.
5th
September Pottery-face masks
3rd
October Forge – fire pokers
31st October Wood - Pumpkin carving, Pottery-bug bowls
& Forge – lanterns
7th
November Wood-Conkers
5th
December Pottery-Xmas tree decorations
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