Sylvain Gabriel - The art of ironwork. Practical blacksmithing guide for children and adults

Sylvain Gabriel, the blacksmith's companion

This handbook, designed by Sylvain - a French companion skilled in blacksmithing - is aimed at children and adults interested in learning the theory and practical notions of traditional blacksmithing. It is mainly based on other teaching materials contributed over the years by those who learn traditional crafts at the Les Compagnons du Devoir school of public utility in France.

Șerban Sturdza recounted the principles of work and lifelong learning that guide the companions' guild during the blacksmithing workshops held in Țibănești (2009-2012): fidelity, honesty, fraternity, courage, discipline, patience and seriousness. They can be summarized as follows: you can be wrong and you can make mistakes when you work, but you are never allowed to hide your mistake because next time you will do better; you have to sacrifice yourself and stand up for your ideas, but not until the end because ideas and knowledge must be passed on; you should not serve yourself, but you must serve; whatever you learn, you must pass on to others (basic principle of companionship).