Blacksmithing: Then and Now

The impact of Technology

Silvia and Shaun Williams, founders of The Guild Urban Craft & Folk Art School, talk history, technology, and the joys of blacksmithing.

The Guild school of metal arts & urban crafts

Over 100 years ago, the village side of the Vizcaya estate was bustling with farm work, construction, and blacksmithing. While technology has changed drastically since then, you can find the craft of blacksmithing still being practiced today at The Guild in Pompano Beach. Their workshop space allows community members to participate in the historic trade.

Metal worker working on a project in the shop

Man in a protective mask and helmet uses a saw to work a piece of metal in a blacksmith shop

Man in a wheelchair with head gear behind a large anvil

Blacksmith shop featuring a man with white hair working a piece of hot metal on an anvil

Blacksmith shop featuring various tools and machines

Blacksmith shop featuring a man with with curly brown hair working a piece of hot metal on an anvil

LIVESTREAM | june 3 @ 12: 00 p.m.

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Join us on Thursday, June 3, for a live blacksmith demo in Vizcaya Village, where the estate’s own historic blacksmith shop is located. “The Guild: Urban Craft and Folk Art School” will be with us to lead the demo and discuss the history of the craft as well as take a look at how Vizcaya’s blacksmith shop has evolved.

As if an active forge isn’t cool enough, this will also be a 360* experience, adding an interactive element to the demo. Save the date and click below to watch the sparks fly LIVE!