Exciting news! The NADFAS (National Association of the Decorative and Fine Art Societies) Grants Committee have awarded us a grant from the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund. This grant will be used to create a six month ‘Historic Metalwork Restoration’ training placement at Ironart for a talented young female blacksmith, Cecilie Robinson.

In 2013 Cecilie completed the Extended Diploma in Metalwork and Blacksmithing at The National School of Blacksmithing in Hereford, and was recognized with their ‘Best Student Award.’ Cecilie who lives in Larkhall, and grew up in Bath, was inspired to explore blacksmithing when she visited Master Blacksmith Don Barker’s Forge. Already a talented artist she was part way through a degree in Illustration at Camberwell College in London, before changing tack and pursuing a career in metalwork.

Cecilie, who has worked here during her college holidays during the past year to help us out when we’ve been really busy, will shadow the Ironart team on a series of restoration projects during her placement, learning techniques to repair heritage forged and cast ironwork as well as non-ferrous metals. She will also be visiting other workshops, foundries and museums during her time here, to underpin her training. We are really grateful to the NADFAS Grants Committee for this opportunity. Cecilie has a bright future in blacksmithing and will be a great ambassador for both NADFAS and the trade as a whole.