Art studio, classes and creative workspace in a converted Georgian forge on Swanage High Street.
Book a class See the workClasses & booking
Small classes in a historic setting. Choose a class, send a request, and Hannah will confirm your place.
Gallery
Work made in the forge by our students, artists and makers.
History of the forge
The Old Forge stands on the south side of Swanage High Street, in the Herston area of the town. It is a Grade II listed building, which means it is protected for its special architectural and historic interest.
1700sHistoric records date the building to the eighteenth century. It was built as a house, with walls and roof of local Purbeck Stone.
26 June 1952The building is listed Grade II. The listing describes two storeys, three sash windows with glazing bars on the first floor, and a bow-fronted shop window with a central door below. It is part of the same terrace as No. 273.
Early 1930sA photograph in the Virtual Swanage archive shows the Old Forge shop and workshop with two workers standing outside the large open workshop doors.
1969–1970Michael & Susan Yates ran an antiques business from the address.
TodayThe forge is reborn as The Old Forge Studio: a rentable workspace, classroom and retail space for local artists.
Sources: Historic England list entry 1153059 · Dorset HER MDO16776 · Virtual Swanage photo VS2522 · University of Leeds antique trade database. Do you have memories or photos of the forge? Please get in touch.
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The Old Forge
273a High Street
Swanage
BH19 2NH
Hannah Rose · 07879 423538
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