A wonderful opportunity to capture Finch Foundry's working forge in action and the work of the blacksmith and the carpenter's work.

Join us on Thursday 10th September at 11.00am for a photo-walk around Finch Foundry

This photowalk gives participants the exciting opportunity to capture the blacksmith at work, along with the sights and smells of a working forge. There's also the carpenter's workshop, cottage garden and a summer house to visit, while the foundry itself offers the challenge of capturing images in low light and an industrial setting.

For this photowalk we've teamed up with the National Trust, who have provided us with exclusive access to the foundry — so there will be plenty of time to really enjoy the atmosphere.

What You'll Do

Photograph the blacksmith at work in the forge

Capture the sights and smells of a working forge

Explore the carpenter's workshop, cottage garden and summer house

Take on the challenge of low-light, industrial photography inside the foundry

Transport

We're offering limited minibus travel from Exeter. For those making their own way there, a car park is available at the foundry.

PLEASE NOTE: This site is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the terrain includes uneven, cobbled and confined spaces typical of a working historic foundry.

Header & Footer Image © Lisa Millership Evans, Paula Hyland & Gaye Ilston

The History of Finch foundry

Finch Foundry is a 19th-century water-powered forge situated in the village of Sticklepath near Okehampton, Devon, England. It was originally used to produce agricultural and mining hand tools and at its peak produced around 400 edge-tools a day. It remained an active foundry until 1960 when the roof collapsed and has been a National Trust property since 1994. It contains examples of a tilt hammer, drop hammer, and shear hammer all powered by water wheels. The Trust maintains the forge in working order and demonstrations of the tools are given.

Coming under National Trust care

In the mid-1980s, due to the building of the new A30, fewer visitors passed by and it became difficult for the museum to operate successfully. The North Devon Museum’s Association, which then owned the foundry, approached the National Trust about taking it on.

After a survey, the Trust found that over £60,000 worth of work was needed to support the building’s crumbling walls. Thanks to a local supporter (Mr Espley) who left a gift to the Trust in his will, the Science Museum and the Dartmoor Authority, we able to take on the care of the foundry in 1994.

WALKING WITH CAMERAS

Walking with Cameras is a two-year project that will provide over 40 innovative photo-walks for people in Exeter and the surrounding regions. This photo-walks programme will provide an alternative means of social interaction, healthy activity, creative engagement, and it will provide participants with the opportunity to visit and photograph a range of inspiring locations for 3-4 hours, where they can create their own images or take part in a photographic tasks.

The locations in this project will be varied, but will include forests and woodlands, wetlands, local urban areas, country parks, country houses and local historical landmarks. This project is open to all adult communities across the City of Exeter and Devon, with a special focus for people who have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health issue, for those in the community who are experiencing social isolation and for people who are affected by a disability or are using a wheelchair.

This project has been funded by The National Lottery Awards for All England Programme and it will enable participants to create their own photo-story, build a portfolio of images and take part in a fun and creative activity.

MERIDIAN RAW CIO - NON DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

We ask everyone who attends our photo-walk to be respectful of each other and the facilitator.

Meridian Raw CIO is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and fostering a climate in which all participants may take part and feel safe. We recognise and value our diverse population and we are committed to fair treatment of all participants.

Harassment and disparate treatment based on race, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion will not be permitted or tolerated.

DISCLAIMER FOR PHOTO WALKS

Everyone who attends this photo-walk does so at their own risk.

Facilitators, venue tour guides & volunteers assume no responsibility for anyone attending any event & will not be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused. You indicate that you accept these conditions by attending the photo walk.

Participants are responsible for wearing suitable footwear & clothing for the environment. Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk, the safety of themselves and the suitability of any equipment used.

Meridian Raw CIO cannot take resp

Description supplied by the event organiser.