Vendor Biography

I have always had a fascination with making objects. I like to think I began my journey to becoming a blacksmith as a young child playing with Lego, ever since then I’ve jumped at the chance to play with any sort of material, using a variety of different techniques.

Going through school I worked with wood, plastics, clay and sheet metal but nothing really grabbed me until my parents bought me an experience weekend with a Blacksmith for my 17th birthday.

There was something about forging hot steel that I instantly fell in love with. Using fire as a creative rather than destructive tool and seeing how the application of extreme heat turns steel into a wonderfully malleable material, allowing me to creating fluid and elegant forms from a heavy material which is usually literally ‘hard as nails’.

I spent 3 years at Hereford College of Arts earning a BA in Artist Blacksmithing, in the spring of 2013 I started my business ‘Chris The Smith’ and I’ve been going at it hammer and tongs ever since.

In my workshop in Earlswood,  Solihull, I use traditional tools and techniques to create simple, yet elegant pieces which are both sculptural and practical. I sell my work direct to the public at events across the midlands and online through the The British Craft House. I’m also happy to chat about bespoke pieces and commissioned work.

Since September 2014 I have been running experience sessions for members of the public who’ve always wanted to try their hand at the ancient art of blacksmithing.