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 Jenny Reed
  • Nov 14, 2023

The difference between Springer and Cocker Spaniels

We've created several weathervane and sign designs featuring Cocker and Springer spaniels, and we're quite often asked to swap one for the other. I...

  • by Sarah A
  • Nov 08, 2023

A Look At The Fascinating History Of British House Names

The British have a long-standing tradition of naming their houses, sometimes with rather intriguing choices. Here’s a look at where this tradition ...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Nov 06, 2023

Curlew Weathervane

Curlews are the largest European wading bird, with a wingspan of up to 1 metre. They feed in estuaries during the winter months, but move inland to...

  • by Sarah A
  • Oct 30, 2023

The History Of The Metal Guild Sign

Signage is a hugely important part of the success of any business and this has been known since the era of the ornate German metalwork zunftzeichen...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Oct 24, 2023

Shooting Weathervanes

We've had a lovely email from a very happy customer this week, who had ordered one of our Shooting weathervanes as a gift: "Parcel arrived before l...

  • by Sarah A
  • Oct 15, 2023

What Is The Purpose Of A Village Gateway Sign?

Anyone who has travelled along the winding lanes of the UK’s picturesque countryside will be familiar with the village gateway sign. Here are the k...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Oct 09, 2023

Personalised gifts for Gardener

A great photo of our Gardeners weathervane. We’ve produced loads of variations on this design, for example using different breeds of dog or even in...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Oct 04, 2023

Witches in the Scottish Borders

Our Witch weathervane is one of our most popular designs, done with different familiars such as pet dogs and even rabbits in place of the cat. It'...

  • by Sarah A
  • Sep 28, 2023

The Symbolism Of The Crow And Raven In Art And Folklore

If you are considering commissioning a bespoke weathervane but want something a little more unusual than a cockerel design, you may have selected a...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Sep 25, 2023

Unusual Weathervane for a TV Prop

We've created a really unusual weathervane recently, to be used as a prop on a popular TV show. It's currently being filmed and the producers have ...

  • by Jenny Reed
  • Sep 18, 2023

Wrought Iron Farm Signs vs Mild Steel

Wrought iron was traditionally used in blacksmithing and hand forged decorative metalwork until the 1970s as it is so malleable when hot; mild stee...

  • by Sarah A
  • Sep 15, 2023

Fairy Cattle: The Deer In Mythology, Legend And Folklore

 If you are thinking of commissioning a bespoke weathervane, you may have considered one of Britain's wild animals such as the deer as the subject ...