Bronze Axe Casting Workshop

The Course

Discover how some of the earliest metal tools were produced in prehistoric Britain. From just over 4000 years ago people started to make the first axes from copper into simple flat, triangular shapes from an opencast mould. Soon after people started adding tin to make bronze which was harder and easier to cast. 

On this workshop, attendees can choose from a selection of different axes type to cast including:

The flaring blade of the flanged axe is an iconic tool from prehistory, it appears as both artefacts and in rock art at Stonehenge. Their tools were often highly decorated, suggesting a close relationship with its owner.

Another option would be to cast a middle Bronze Age palstave axe. These axes were developed from the earlier “flanged axe” which lacked high ridges, a haft stopper and loop. Metallurgy analysis shows Welsh copper can be found in over 90% of the early palstave axes found around NW Europe.

Workshop students will prepare their own mould, before working the leather bellows on the charcoal fuelled furnace to melt bronze. They will then cast the liquid metal into their prepared moulds to produce a replica bronze age axe to take home at the end of the day. Students can then begin filing off the casting flash, start cleaning the surfaces of the axe and even begin decorating it with punches. The workshop also includes a brief talk to contextualise the Bronze Age and axe development.

Participant Information:

We have a heater in the workshop for winter events but for your own comfort please bring warm clothing in case it’s a particularly cold day. Participants must wear a long sleeve top, long trousers and closed shoes, regardless of weather, to protect themselves while casting. Once you sign up to the workshop you will receive full details and directions to the workshop.

Fee & Refreshments:

Our pricing includes tuition, materials, teas and coffees. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. Our workshop is situated next to a pub that may be able to provide lunch if you call in advance or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.