FORGE.

Its been a very interesting few weeks, back in college after 20+ years out of education.

I wasn't really sure what to expect.
 All I can say is that things are a lot different these days.
The first couple of weeks where all about different inductions into all the workshops, libraries,IT rooms and most important the forge out at Holme Lacy.

It was really great to get some irons in the fire as they say.

The first practical task was to draw down some 16mmx16mmx200mm square bar.

I marked and punched at 100mm and set this on the anvil, drawing down to half its thickness but maintaining its width.
I then marked and punched at 80mm and set this on the anvil, drawing down again to a square section of 8mmx8mm.
I finished by rounding off half the length again.
All this forgeing was done at yellow heat 1150 degrees c.

I then finished the work off at dull red heat 700 degrees c. the finished piece is on the left. The other 2 pieces in the photo are the start of my tongs.

Holme lacy at last

first week in the forge, after induction it was time to get down to some real work.

making my first set of tongs,

College

Just started college after 20odd years out of education, studying a ba hons degree at hereford college of art.
All a little bit strange at the moment, new things to think about.
Onwards and upwards.

corten steel in the garden.

The combination of steel and stone is something i really like, the coluor of the steel which is corten steel gives so much depth and warmth against the water and lush planting, would like to build show garden in a similar style.

Also combining the softness of timber is a perfect combination.

Images that inspire! all in my back yard.

Natural beauty.

Lovely dry stone wall.

Old stunted oak.

Hard but beautiful.

More gardens

Private gardens

  I am a self employed stonemason and garden designer. I run my own company taking on commissions to design and build beautiful gardens and outside spaces, I prefer to work with natural materials like wood, stone and steel. hear are a few shots of my work.

Water feature in brick.

Small courtyard waiting to be planted.

Private garden.

Private garden.

Water feature.

Japanese garden.

Bamboo water spout.

Combining hard and soft materials.

Slate paving.