How can women in the UK get into Blacksmithing?

This blog describes my own experience of the metalworking world and how I came to start designing and creating weathervanes and swinging signs at Black Fox Metalcraft, plus advice for any girls or women thinking about getting into blacksmithing - I hope you find it useful.

Though I went to an academically quite good school, there was absolutely no opportunity to try anything practical like blacksmithing, and metalwork apprenticeships were something that was maybe mentioned to some of the boys, but it really wasn't considered an option for me growing up in the 90s.  I think practical skills need to be made more accessible for teenagers both boys and girls, as there is nothing quite like the satisfaction and confidence you gain from creating something useful or beautiful yourself. Plus, in a world where you can get pretty much anything you want at the touch of a screen, these thousand year old crafts could be in danger of dying out.

What Challenges do Female Blacksmiths Face?

Despite their talent and dedication being of equal value to that of their male counterparts, female blacksmiths in the UK still face challenges in a very male-dominated industry.  All too often, old fashioned attitudes still prevail, and they may encounter stereotypes and biases that underestimate their abilities based on gender, or a lack of access to resources and opportunities. However, many female blacksmiths are actively working to overcome these obstacles and create a more inclusive and supportive community for women in the field.

In my own personal experience, though most people were very positive and genuinely interested in what I was doing, there definitely seemed to be a reluctance to actually employ women in some areas of the welding industry. In speaking to industry professionals I heard concerns that women 'would not be strong enough to be blacksmiths/welders' (most metalwork is about skill and control of the fire rather than brute strength so irrelevant in most cases), 'unable to manage a 12 hour shift on their feet', (er nurses anyone??!) and unable to take workplace 'banter' as a joke. (If what is meant by that is no longer tolerating sexual harrassment, then yes that is correct, we are not!)

I had very few genuinely negative experiences myself  - the only one that still sticks in my mind is some old bloke at a laser cutters in Manchester grabbing my arm and trying to kiss me and thinking he was hilarious - no we did not ever use that company again! I hope that since the 'me too' movement, these occasional bad attitudes plus the odd patronising comment about being "too pretty to put a welding mask on you" would these days be a thing of the past. Or maybe not?

In 2011 I took an evening course in TIG welding and realised I just got on so well with hot bits of metal so decided to try something different. I'd always been aware of blacksmithing because in researching our family tree, mum discovered that my great great grandad had been a blacksmith at the Tatton park estate in Cheshire, where my family is originally from. The idea of it has always attracted me; it seemed powerful, almost a little bit magical and alluring. I loved the colour of hot metal and I loved the way you can change it's shape so easily, almost like plastercine. So, I took myself on a days' blacksmithing course in north yorkshire with some money I got for my 26th birthday. It was a brilliant day, I started off making a few simple hooks, and then designed and forged a candle holder using a pre ww1 power hammer and from there was totally hooked.

After getting together on the aforementioned evening welding course, David and I quickly found ourselves setting up a metalworking business. For a couple of years we focused on designing, welding and building up a portfolio of designs and an excellent reputation with Black Fox Metalcraft. One weekend we were at a beer festival in Cumbria and got talking to a local blacksmith up there. Over a few drinks we became friends and he ended up giving us his old forge and anvil that he no longer needed! We were incredibly grateful as we did not have the budget to buy our own, and were delighted to be able to combine this traditional technique with our precision laser cut designs.

Blacksmithing is only a small part of our business so I am by no means an expert, but for me it's the most fun part! We have not had the time or energy to play about with it much since having the twins four years ago; I tend to just make what has been ordered for example the forged hooks for our hanging basket brackets or scrolls for swinging signs plus the odd log basket here and there. We are hoping to make more time for experimenting, learing and developing some new ideas next year when our girls start school.

     

How can women in the UK get into blacksmithing?

• Try taking a day course nearby and see how you get on with it. There are loads of different options from toolmaking to hand forged flowers, or something really unique like copper rappousse. Prices vary depending on what you're doing, but for a day in general beginner blacksmithing you can expect to pay £150 - £200.

• Google blacksmiths locally to you, send an email & see if you can make some contacts. In my experience, the blacksmithing community is incredibly helpful and welcoming and always up for giving some friendly advice. You might even be able to get some work experience if you build up a good relationship. I sent out dozens of letters before getting my first welding job, so don't be disheartened if you don't hear back from someone!

• See if there are any evening classes in metalworking nearby, as a good range of skills & knowledge in the area will be beneficial plus it's an opportunity to meet some like minded people.

• If you're serious about getting into blacksmithing and want to set up your own forge, why not ask around any local blacksmiths / metalworkers and see if anyone has an old forge, anvil or tools you could buy second hand? If you fancy a project you could even make your own forge as there are plenty of youtube videos on how to do this, however you'll need some general welding equipment to do this. Beware of buying anvils as since they have become oddly popular as garden ornaments, the value has shot right up!