Spalding forge is offering taster sessions from a blacksmith who shares his passion for this ancient craft
One of the few remaining blacksmiths is now sharing this traditional craft with people across the South Holland area.
Ryan Atkin says he was lucky to have been expelled from school as a teenager as this led him to his passion of blacksmithing.
The 29-year-old is now dedicating more time to The Chain Bridge Forge, in Spalding, where he is giving taster sessions and taking on commissions.
And he is enjoying working with the four heaths within the forge building, which dates back to the 17th century.
Ryan said: “It is so atmospheric to be using a traditional forge, I have my own set up in the garden at home but it doesn’t compare to this.
“They have kept all the old tools and the equipment which adds to the atmosphere. Everything is traditional and dates back to the time when blacksmiths produced a lot.
“Most people get rid of the old stuff and modernise so it is nice to use the traditional equipment as it would have been back then.
“I am buzzing every single day because I am living my dream. It is nice to be putting my skills to a good use.”
Blacksmithing is one of the oldest crafts with its origins dating back to 1500BC and later the forge became an important part of any medieval town.
With the rise of machinery in the industrial revolution, many blacksmiths concentrated on farrier work but in the early 20th century these vital skills were needed for architectural ironwork.
Ryan said: “Not many people are aware but it is one of the oldest crafts known to man.
“Blacksmiths were important as they created a lot of the tools needed for other industries.”
Discovering blacksmithing has also played an important role in Ryan’s life. He was expelled as a 13-year-old and learned his trade from Adam Marshall at North Kyme Youth Workshop.
Ryan, of Lincoln, said: “I was lucky to get kicked out of mainstream school as I went to a place where they taught blacksmithing.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to do it. It is a very hands on trade and you need particularly good hand-eye coordination.
“If I had stayed in school I would not have got anywhere. They want everyone to be academic but not everyone is, I haven’t got the patience.
“School made me believe I was stupid just because I wasn’t academic.
“It wasn’t until I had left school and started doing this that I realised I was talented.”
By the time, he was 16, Ryan a had built up a lot of experience and can craft anything from heavy fire pokers to delicate candle holders along with other bespoke requests.
He said: “You take a raw piece of metal and put it the forge and hammer it into anything you want.
“What is beautiful about blacksmithing is that you can make anything using a hammer, anvil and a fire.
“Fire welds are stronger than the electric ones!”
Ryan, who also teaches in Lincoln Castle, is working with Geoff Taylor, a director of Friends of the Forge, to help build up commissions and taster sessions.
People of all ages and abilities can make anything from a coat hook to barbecue tools, pokers or a toasting fork during the taster sessions which are running again with safety precautions.
Advanced visitors can have a bash at creating a dragon’s head during a one-day session or a Damascus knife over a couple of days.
The forge also runs a Blacksmith’s Club, run by Jay Evett and Ashley Steel.
For more information go to: www.heritagesouthholland.co.uk