ABOUT US
Passionate About Inspiring Others
WTF workshops was born out of a desire to inspire and encourage people to get creative with reclaimed scrap materials. We aim to make metal craft accessible and welcoming to everyone, no matter your age, gender or ability. We have created a work space where people can play and learn in a relaxed yet informed and safe working environment.
WTF workshops was born out of a desire to inspire and encourage people to get creative with reclaimed scrap materials. We aim to make metal craft accessible and welcoming to everyone, no matter your age, gender or ability. We have created a work space where people can play and learn in a relaxed yet informed and safe working environment.
meet the team
Annie chapter
Annie first started to learn about metalwork in her Mixed Media Fine Art degree. She went on to complete a post graduate diploma in Scenic Construction,specialising in metalwork and large-scale prop fabrication and using her skills to create imaginative show props and sets. Annie has been doing special effects prop making and creating metalwork ever since.
She has worked at the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre and has worked on the sets in the West End including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as working on many SFX stage props for numerous shows including the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and Take That's world tour.
Annie also designs and builds stage decor and site art installations for music festivals including Glastonbury. Boomtown and Shambala.
Annie enjoys creating bold sculptures so if you’re thinking big, she’s always on hand with help and advice.
Felix Rowberry
Felix has been creating with metal since she was a child. Her interest in the art was first sparked as she helped her dad, who was a metalworker himself, creating kinetic sculptures and silver jewellery.
Felix went on to focus on making large scale and impactful sculptures, from pyro-kinetic devices for live orchestra events to bespoke circus equipment, focusing particularly on special effects.
To date Felix has created metalwork and special effects for shows like Doctor Who, Top Gear, and X-Factor. She was the gas effects manager for Arcadia for several years, and has worked on pyrotechnic displays across the country.
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Felix has also worked as a facilitator at several forest schools, and has discovered that she loves helping people build their self-confidence and realise their own creative
potential.
char smith
Char started her metalworking journey back in 2018. She started working as a Lorry Mechanic. From this she began basic fabrication and enjoyed welding.
Char began to work with recycled materials to create pieces and give items a new life, that may otherwise go to landfill. Previous to this she studied an Art and Design Foundation Degree, but had never found her media to work with.
Keen to learn more metal work techniques, Char began studying a silversmith evening course, alongside her mechanical apprenticeship, to develop new skills. From a combination of metal work and creative skills, Foraged Steel began. Char’s small business where she sells her handmade jewellery and metal work. Shortly after this, Char began teaching at WTF Workshops in around 2021. She now also runs WTF’s social media and admin channels.
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isabel ashman
Izi came to metalwork relatively recently, but as soon as she set her mind to mind to her new path there was no turning back. She set up Wonder Weld as a one-woman freelance mobile welder five years ago, and hasn't been short of work since!
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Izi specialises in agricultural fabrication and repair, vehicle body work, and has created many beautiful gates, railings and bespoke pieces of furniture.
If you're unlucky enough to find yourself in an ambulance or hearse in Somerset you'll get the chance to admire some of Izi's stainless steel welding, as she's responsible for the interior metalwork in most of them!
She joined our team in 2020 while Felix was on maternity leave, but we couldn't let her go. She's become an indispensable part of WTF, bringing her warm and personable nature, along with her fantastic skill set.
