NHIG's Heritage Blacksmith Bursary project - Heritage Organisations - Blogs

NHIG's Heritage Blacksmith Bursary project

Posted by the NHIG on 3rd September 2010.

Call for expressions of interest

The National Heritage Ironwork Group is seeking both students and workshops to participate in its Heritage Blacksmith Bursary project which it is running thanks to a £350,200 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant awarded under its ‘Skills for the Future’ programme, subject to approval of the NHIG training plan.

STUDENTS

Are you interested in learning the advanced skills of restoration work? If so the NHIG’s Heritage Blacksmith Bursaries project will offer practical skill based training in the conservation of historic ironwork to semi-skilled blacksmiths over the age of 19 years delivered in a workshop environment. This will be enhanced by underpinning knowledge delivered by block release at Herefordshire College of Technology. Bursaries will last for 12 months with each student receiving £15,000 to cover all their costs for the duration of the project. The first 8 students will start their course in February 2011 and application is open to all UK resident candidates with some forge work experience.

Student expressions of interest for the 2011/12 placements must be received by the 26th November 2010, following which an application form will be sent out with interviews starting in December 2010. NOTE; the projects final 8 places starting Feb 2012 will be advertised in 2011.

Lack of formal qualifications should not be seen a bar to entry on to the program and all are welcome to apply. Selection will be in the form of personal interview supported by portfolio.

The bursaries are intended to encourage those with a keen interest in our ironwork heritage to submit applications who might otherwise have been unable to access other training provision.

Although previous smithing experience is preferred, applicants with relevant experience in general metalwork and/or conservation skills are welcome.

WORKSHOPS

Is your workshop undertaking any interesting restoration projects in the next 12 months? If so the NHIG is seeking Heritage Blacksmith Bursary student placements in workshops competent in the restoration of wrought ironwork. If your workshop is able to offer work based training and experience in practical heritage smithwork then please let us know if you could host students. The timing and length of placements is flexible and will be agreed on an individual basis with each workshop with the initial selection of workshops taking their first students in February 2011.

Workshop expressions of interest must be received by 1st October 2010

REGISTER

To express your interest please register with the NHIG secretary sending your full contact details (name, email, postal address & telephone numbers) to;

Bethan Griffiths

NHIG, 7 Tillingbourne Mews, The Street, Albury, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9AG

info@nhig.org.uk

Please visit www.nhig.org.uk for more information

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