Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master: Tools & Traditions of an Ancient Craft

Description

Blacksmith is an exploration into the life and practices of the modern smith, the history, mythology and folklore of this ancient craft. Blacksmith guides the uninitiated through the journey from apprentice to master, from drawing down and forging to a brief history of nails, through interviews with key figures and an overview of the life on the forge. Alex Pole is a leading teacher and spokesperson of the new generation of blacksmiths, and runs sell-out workshops from his Dorset home. This essential book is a stylishly designed love letter to this timeless craft and hobby, which is making a comeback as people turn to 'slow' hobbies as a way of reconnecting with the world around them and long for an escape from a consumerist, wasteful modern lifestyle.

Alex Pole has always had a fascination with metals. From sitting with his mum watching her make jewellery as a four year old, to casting lead soldiers in his pre-teens, he has always been drawn to these materials. In 2006 he established Alex Pole Ironwork, which is known for its production of high quality functional products for the home and garden. It has slowly evolved over the years to specialise in hand forged kitchenware and utensils which led him to establish Forge Kitchenware in 2015. The primary aim of the forge is to promote blacksmithing, and the makers movement and to show its relevance in the 21st century.