Black Fox Metalcraft Blog

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  • Stay updated on our latest creations and projects
  • Get tips and inspiration for bespoke weathervanes, signs, and garden decor
  • Learn about our craftsmanship and processes plus the stories behind our products
  • Discover more about working in creative industries past and present.
  • Get to know a little about the people behind the metalwork you see on this website.
  • by Sarah A
  • Apr 08, 2024

Pastoral Puzzle: Why Did British Farmers Name Their Fields?

The traditional farm sign is a familiar part of the UK’s rural landscape, but many people don’t realise that farmers also name fields. Here’s a loo...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Apr 02, 2024

Spring at Borthwickbrae

Though we've not yet heard the unmistakeable call of Cuckoos in the woods behind the farm, and the valley is not yet filled with the sounds of chat...

  • by Sarah A
  • Mar 15, 2024

A Very English Tradition: The Best Kept Village Competition

There is more to the Best Kept Village competition than just pleasant scenery or charming chocolate box houses and shops. Here’s a look at how it a...

  • by Sarah A
  • Feb 26, 2024

Alternative Mothers’ Day Gift Ideas To Flowers & Chocolates

If you are looking for a more unique personal gift than flowers to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, you may like to consider a handcrafted bespoke...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Feb 21, 2024

Photo Competition 2023

Every year we run a photo competition, encouraging our customers to send in images of our products insitu, with our favourite image winning a £50 v...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Feb 05, 2024

Unique Valentines Gifts

There are various stories explaining how the celebration of Valentines day came to be; many involving a Martyr named Valentine in the 3rd century, ...

  • by Sarah A
  • Jan 25, 2024

Ploughing Ahead: The British Tractor Through The Decades

One of the most popular symbols for a metal farm sign or weathervane is a tractor. This is not surprising; it is a faithful workhorse and backbone ...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Jan 22, 2024

Restoring Weathervanes

Recently we've had a couple of enquiries about restoring old weathervanes, so thought I would do a blog post about a few relevant projects.Though m...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Jan 09, 2024

Back to the workshop - Happy 2024!

It's back to the workshop for us on this bitterly cold January day. I've spent the morning catching up on admin - it's been lovely to receive so ma...

  • by Sarah A
  • Jan 08, 2024

What Makes The Spitfire Such A Well-Loved British Symbol?

The iconic Spitfire is still celebrated today in everything from weathervanes to comic books, but just why does this plane have such a hold on our ...

  • by Sarah A
  • Dec 20, 2023

The Evolution Of The Land Rover: An Icon Of British Design

Land Rover inspires loyalty and affection in their owners. They are more than a hard working vehicle to get about with; they are an icon of British...

  • by Sarah A
  • Dec 12, 2023

3 Fabulous Christmas Present Ideas For Wildlife Lovers

If you are still searching for a unique Christmas gift for someone special who loves the great outdoors, then you may like to consider a bespoke we...