Tocal Homestead and Forged Rhythms launches a bold new creative project set to transform the historic forge at Tocal Homestead into a living, breathing instrument.
Forged Rhythms will fuse the raw energy of traditional blacksmithing with contemporary sound and video art, turning the rhythms of hammer on anvil, the crackle of the fire, and the glow of molten metal into a multimedia installation.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund. It is a collaboration between Tocal Homestead and the Forged Rhythms creative team, led by Suzannah Jones, together with three Hunter region artists: filmmaker Jonathan Burrows, sound artist Huw Jones, and contemporary blacksmith Will Maguire.
The project will culminate in a striking sound and video installation, launching as part of Peek Into the Past at Tocal Homestead on the 26th July 2026.
Creative Producer Suzannah Jones, who initiated and secured funding for the project, says: “We’re treating the forge as both a working space and a musical instrument, where sound, heat, and human gesture collide in the most visceral way.”
The project features award-winning filmmaker and video artist Jonathan Burrows (known as The Pretty Amazing Jono), fresh from winning Best Show at the Newcastle Fringe for The Pretty Amazing Show; Newcastle-based sound artist Huw Jones, who turned the now decommissioned Liddell Power Station into a giant musical instrument for his acclaimed Liddell Symphony; and renowned contemporary blacksmith and sculptor Will Maguire, widely celebrated across the region for his award-winning metalwork.
Working in close collaboration with Tocal Homestead, the artists will record the forge in action – capturing its distinctive sonic textures, flickering light, and intense physical energy – while simultaneously creating new forged objects that will become part of the final installation.
Rare Public Workshops (these workshops are now fully booked)
As part of the project, two special public blacksmithing workshops will be held inside the historic Tocal forge on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May 2026.
These workshops offer a rare chance for participants to step into a working historic forge and learn basic forging techniques under the guidance of an experienced blacksmith. Everyone will have the opportunity to create their own forged object, directly contributing to the creative energy of the Forged Rhythms project.
Places are limited, and bookings are compulsory. Please contact Suzannah Jones to register.
Contact: Suzannah Jones / suzannahjj@yahoo.com.au / 0447813327
Image: Inside the historic Tocal forge: Suzannah Jones with artists Will Maguire (left) and Jonathan Burrows (right). Sound artist Huw Jones completes the Forged Rhythms creative team.
This project is supported by:
Photo courtesy of Tocal Homestead and Jonathan Burrows