Anwick Forge Ltd is a specialist blacksmithing and architectural metalwork practice based in Anwick, Lincolnshire. Operating from a historic forge dating from the early nineteenth century, the company combines traditional forging techniques with specialist knowledge of historic ironwork conservation, restoration and architectural metalwork.
Established in 2017 by artist blacksmith Fred Suffield, Anwick Forge undertakes commissions for owners of historic and listed buildings, architects, conservation specialists, heritage organisations and private clients. Its work encompasses the conservation and reinstatement of original ironwork, the manufacture of historically appropriate replacements and the design and fabrication of bespoke architectural metalwork.
The company's workshop occupies the historic County Forge at Anwick, a Grade II listed building that continues to serve its original purpose as a working blacksmith's forge.
Anwick Forge provides specialist services for the repair, conservation, restoration and reinstatement of wrought and cast ironwork associated with historic buildings and their surroundings.
The practice undertakes work on traditional gates, railings, architectural features, decorative ironwork and other historic metal structures, including elements associated with churches, historic estates, listed properties and buildings of architectural significance.
Conservation projects may involve the assessment of existing ironwork, identification of deterioration or damage, preparation of appropriate repair proposals and the sympathetic reinstatement of missing or deteriorated components.
Traditional forging techniques enable the workshop to produce replacement elements that respect the character, construction and craftsmanship of the original work.
The company's approach recognises the importance of historic ironwork as an integral component of architectural heritage, whether incorporated into buildings, forming part of historic boundaries or contributing to the designed landscape of an estate.
Alongside conservation and restoration, Anwick Forge produces bespoke architectural and decorative ironwork for traditional and contemporary settings.
Projects include the design, manufacture and installation of gates, railings, ornamental ironwork, decorative features, sculptures and individual architectural commissions.
The workshop works with private clients, architects and interior designers to develop designs appropriate to the character and requirements of individual buildings and spaces.
This combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design capability enables Anwick Forge to undertake new commissions alongside the repair and replication of historic ironwork.
Anwick Forge provides specialist advice and practical support for heritage ironwork projects, from initial assessment through to installation and ongoing maintenance.
Its services include condition surveys, conservation reports, design drawings, advice relating to listed properties, repair specifications, restoration and reinstatement.
The company also offers subsequent condition assessments to assist owners and custodians in planning the long-term maintenance of historic ironwork.
Where projects form part of wider building conservation programmes, Anwick Forge works alongside architects, conservation contractors and specialist craftspeople, including stonemasons and carpenters. This collaborative approach is particularly relevant where historic ironwork forms part of a larger architectural structure or where repairs must be coordinated with masonry, timberwork or other historic building materials.
Anwick Forge is led by Fred Suffield, who graduated from Hereford College of Arts in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Artist Blacksmithing.
Following his studies, he developed his traditional blacksmithing skills through a period of professional training and practical experience with established master blacksmiths.
He subsequently participated in the National Heritage Ironwork Group's bursary programme and completed the Heritage Skills Blacksmithing Award in 2013.
During this period, his conservation experience included involvement in work on the historic Tijou Screens at Hampton Court Palace, dating from around 1700, and the conservation of a First World War Mark V tank at the Imperial War Museum.
His traditional wrought-iron jardinière was also highly commended by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2014.
These experiences provided a foundation for his subsequent work in traditional metalworking and heritage conservation.
Anwick Forge operates from the County Forge, a distinctive early nineteenth-century building in the Lincolnshire village of Anwick.
The building is Grade II listed and retains its historic association with traditional blacksmithing. Its unusual architectural form includes circular structures and conical roofs, reflecting its origins as a purpose-built rural forge.
By continuing to use the historic workshop, its hearth and traditional tools, Anwick Forge contributes to the preservation of working craft traditions associated with the building.
The practice represents a continuity between historic craftsmanship and contemporary conservation, maintaining traditional metalworking skills while applying them to the repair and care of Britain's architectural heritage.
Anwick Forge undertakes commissions for private property owners, conservation architects, heritage professionals, specialist contractors and organisations responsible for historic buildings.
Its work has extended beyond Lincolnshire, with projects undertaken in London, the Midlands, East Anglia and Yorkshire.
For owners and custodians seeking the conservation of original ironwork, the reinstatement of missing architectural features or the commissioning of traditionally forged metalwork, Anwick Forge provides specialist craftsmanship supported by practical experience in historic building conservation.
| Services & Expertise | |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Historic Ironwork Conservation, Wrought Ironwork Restoration, Cast Ironwork Restoration, Architectural Metalwork, Traditional Blacksmithing, Bespoke Ironwork, Historic Gates and Railings, Listed Building Ironwork, Decorative Metalwork, Historic Ironwork Reinstatement, Heritage Metalwork Repairs, Ecclesiastical Ironwork, Estate Ironwork, Architectural Ironwork Design, Sculptural Metalwork |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Traditional Hand Forging, Wrought Iron Conservation, Cast Iron Conservation, Historic Metalwork Repairs, Sympathetic Ironwork Replacement, Conservation Condition Surveys, Heritage Metalwork Consultancy, Listed Building Project Support, Historic Ironwork Replication, Bespoke Architectural Fabrication, Ironwork Design and Drawings, Traditional Metalworking Techniques, Gates and Railings Restoration, Conservation Project Coordination, Metalwork Installation, Protective Finishes, Preventive Maintenance Planning |
| Accreditation & Membership Details: | Fred Suffield holds a BA (Hons) in Artist Blacksmithing from Hereford College of Arts, awarded in 2012. He completed the National Heritage Ironwork Group's Heritage Skills Blacksmithing Award in 2013, following participation in its bursary programme. His specialist training included conservation work on the historic Tijou Screens at Hampton Court Palace and a First World War Mark V tank at the Imperial War Museum. His hand-forged wrought-iron jardinière was highly commended by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2014. |
| Geographical Areas Covered: | Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Midlands, East Anglia, Yorkshire, Greater London, United Kingdom |
| Contact & Online Presence | |
| Contact(s): | Fred Suffield |
| Email: | info@anwickforge.com |
| Business Details & Insurance. | |
| Company Trading Name: | Anwick Forge Ltd |
| Company Number: | 11101493 |
