Hi I'm Chris and I'm the Brass Monkey Blacksmith.
My work is a hybrid of artistic and functional - sometimes restorative, sometimes ornamental, sometimes original, and sometimes all of these!
I have always wanted to work with metal. When I was a young lad, I happened across a blacksmith at a craft fair pulling some scrolls - I was instantly mesmerised!
I studied at Hereford College of Arts for 3 years, and I have a BA Hons degree in Artist Blacksmithing.
For a while I worked alongside other blacksmiths, and I have now been smithing independently for over 5 years.
My workshop is based in Central Bedfordshire, but I work regularly in London, and the surrounding areas.
I've worked on many commissions, from large staircases and sculptures, down to detailed and delicate ring boxes and roses.
What has been my favourite project?
I was given artistic freedom to design a lighting sculpture in a 16th Century farmhouse B&B. I combined the strong structure of steel, with the rich warm tones of copper, with fine detailing making it look like each bulb was an individual lily. The way that the light reflects and dances off the copper detail makes the piece almost sparkle.
How would I describe my 'style'?
I like combining a number of materials in my projects. It's not unusual for my pieces to involve leather, wood, copper, bronze, and resin, as well as the typical steel.
What am I inspired by?
Lots of my pieces are inspired by the shapes I see in nature: the feathers in a bird's wing, or the fibonacci sequence seen in spirals and curves.
I like creating a juxtaposition between industrial and organic.
What do I do outside the forge?
I have always been handy and enjoyed DIY. In my spare time I will regularly be found doing roof repairs, lime plastering, decorating, and general maintenance.
I always enjoy creating things and learning new skills. I've recently created a wooden longbow from scratch, as I'm both passionate about archery, and exploring the design process.
What are my plans for developing my business in the future?
I'd love to create a range of hand-forged furniture for the home. I'm passionate that the items I create will last and last, and each item will be a statement piece, and a fully functional key part of the household.
Do I have any assistants?
This is Herbie -->
He's training to be a Hearing Dog for the Deaf, who we are training and fostering until he's fully qualified. He's very inquisitive about my work and will frequently sneak in at the end of the day to steal any scraps of wood that he can chew up.
If you have any other questions about my business or the commissions I make, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thank you.
