This time we are introducing you to Rich Jones, an artist blacksmith from Heat and Beat, in Dyserth, North Wales. Rich will be running our two-day blacksmithing course at Wernog Wood where he will be introducing students to the forge.
Rich’s blacksmithing began at college in Llandudno from where he then moved on to Herefordshire College of Blacksmithing. On completion of his studies he did his Journeyman in Gdansk, Poland and later in France. He finally returned to an apprenticeship in Wales before setting up his own company in 2000.
Since establishing Heat and Beat, Rich has produced a huge range of work from public art commissions to bespoke gates, railing and restoration. The distinctive style of his work draws its inspiration from nature’s forms and shapes, which he combines with his love of geometric forms and structure.
His work can be seen at various well-known landmarks, up and down the Clwydian Range in north Wales. These include an all-seeing crow perched on simple gate leading up to the iron-age fort of Castell Dinas Brân (otherwise known as ‘Crow Castle’); and the benches and gates on Moel Famau, just a hill or two from Wernog Wood… and of course many more…
With his diverse set of skills, Rich is the perfect tutor to introduce our students to the forge, and to the beginnings of their own blacksmithing journey.
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