2013 Pre-Conference Class with Mark Pearce

Mark Pearce will demonstrate how to create this candelabra at the pre-conference class on Sept. 19 & 20. Students will make their own.

This fall’s pre-conference class features Mark Pearce leading participants through making a highly decorative candelabra. Mark Pearce has been a professional blacksmith since 1983. He served an apprenticeship and attended several blacksmithing schools in England. The bulk of his work in England was on the restoration of historic wrought iron gates and railing of cathedrals and an estate for the Royal family. Examples of some of his exquisite work can be seen here:  http://www.mysticforge.ca/html/gallery.html

If you have been yearning for a project that is more complex in scope and requires multiple components forged to size and fitted together, but would like the safety net of having a subject matter expert on hand to help you through any “learning moments” then this class is for you. Even if you have made a few similar projects before you are sure to benefit from Mark’s decades of experience turning out top of the line architectural iron work.

This class will give participants a chance to work on a number of traditional design features under the watchful eye of a skilled professional blacksmith. The candelabra will incorporate penny scrolls, taper scrolls, blow overleaf scrolls, hot collaring, riveting, mortise and tenons, as well as a tapered, twisted shaft and a raised flat bar for a base.

There is no firm pre-requisite level for this class, Mark says any skill level is welcome as long as they have used a hammer and tongs before. Processes will include forging to dimension, scrolling, chiseling, punching, forge welding and others.

So take a few days off before the Conference to join 14 of your fellow Guild members in Hastings. These classes always prove to be exceptionally educational and a good time. Mark will be one of two featured demonstrators at TGoM’s annual Fall Conference on September 20, 21, and 22.

To register, send your check for $170 made out to The Guild of Metalsmiths to:
Martin Pansch
8750 Yale Avenue
Young America, MN 55397
If you have questions: call Martin at (612) 599-4762 or email him at blacksmithingyeti@gmail.com