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About
Ian Thackray – The Village Blacksmith, operating from his forge on the Wiltshire–Dorset border, embodies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering for conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts in the UK. He specialises in creating bespoke metalwork, restoring heritage iron elements, and offering expert consultancy, all designed to complement and preserve the architectural and historical integrity of projects large and small. His brand is built on authenticity, attention to detail, and technical mastery, reflecting centuries of forging tradition while responding to contemporary design and conservation demands . Drawing from a blacksmithing journey that began in 2008, Ian delivers a wide array of services ranging from sympathetic restoration of historic ironwork to the creation of modern architectural pieces. His portfolio includes everything from conservation-sensitive gates and balustrades to sculptural commissions exhibited at events such as the Chelsea Flower Show 2022, where he led a metalwork team crafting large Corten steel arches for The Body Shop’s garden project. Notably, he has contributed to heritage sites like Highgate Cemetery, Hillsborough Castle, The Newt in Somerset, and RHS Wisley, showcasing his capacity to work within heritage and conservation frameworks. Beyond structural elements, Ian executes archaeologically informed commissions—for instance, forging meteorite beads at the Chalke Valley History Festival, replicating ancient techniques using Gebel Kamil meteorite material. His work at The Newt—a reconstructed Roman villa—demonstrated his skill in historical research, metal pattern-making, forging, riveting, and fire-welding, in collaboration with cabinet makers and archaeologists. This blend of creative innovation and rigorous historical accuracy cements his reputation among conservation specialists and heritage bodies. Ian also extends his expertise through bespoke commissions tailored to individual tastes and existing architectural motifs. His process begins with detailed consultation (“following a consultation and a cup of tea”), ensuring that each gate, rail, or decorative ironwork piece aligns both visually and functionally with its context. He specialises in materials such as mild steel, wrought iron, bronze, copper, and uses advanced techniques like fire welding, riveting, gilding, zinc spraying, TIG/MIG welding, powder coating, and on-site installation—the full suite of skills needed for durable, conservation-grade metalwork. Ian’s heritage capabilities extend into technical conservation consultancy and media engagement: he sits on the council of the National Heritage Ironworks Group and holds a Diploma of Merit from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. He has appeared on television (Great British Dig, Time Crashers, Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters) and served as blacksmith consultant and on-screen artisan for films like Marvel’s Eternals and Maleficent, demonstrating his skill in historically accurate metal props, set design, actor training, and health & safety oversight. Devoted to public engagement and skill sharing, Ian offers blacksmithing experience days and workshops—ranging from basic forging to knife and axe making—hosted in small groups to ensure a hands-on learning environment. These sessions enable heritage enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the craft and deepen their appreciation for the technical heritage underlying wrought iron conservation and creation.
Info
| Email: | ian@villagesmith.co.uk |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Bespoke Metalwork, Heritage Restoration, Architectural Ironwork, Sculptural Commissions, Archaeological Forging, Consultation & Design, On‑Site Installation, Corten & Mild Steel, Teaching & Workshops, Media & Film Props |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Sympathetic Restoration, Period‑Accurate Forging, Fire Welding & Riveting, Historical Research, Televised Craftsmanship, Council‑level Advocacy, Specialist Material Use, Conservation‑Grade Finishes, Technical Health & Safety, Actor & Prop Training |
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