Chosen Forges

I decided from the very start of this assignment that I am going to photograph in more than the one forge that I have already photographed (and worked) in before. This was due to the fact that I wanted to photograph and get to know more than just the three people who work in Risley Forge. In order to find out about any more forges in the North West, I decided to ask Phil, the owner and boss of Risley Forge, he has a vast knowledge about everything to do with metal working and I thought he might know some other forges where I could photograph. 

After speaking to him, I then jotted down the names of the forges that he knew, I then searched the internet to see if I could unearth any information about each forge. I knew from experience that these types of business' run mainly from word of mouth (how it should be!) and from recommendations from people who have used to services. I expected to not find that much information on the forges he told me about online. I was however, fairly surprised, most of the forges that he mentioned had a website and contact details, I decided to add these to my professional practice pack just in case/when I needed to contact them.

Below is a brief description on each individual forge, giving a brief insight into each of them. I have also included their contact details, as I did for my professional practice pack. 

I now intend to contact each of the forges to discus me visiting them for a face to face chat, again I believe that through experience with engineers before, they usually prefer speaking face to face rather than on the phone. 

As mentioned before, I will now contact the forges and go down to meet to men who work at each forge, I will introduce myself and speak to them about my photographic project. I will not take photographs on the initial visits as I believe that this isnt the right way to go about it. I would rather they get used to me at first and then I take my camera the next time I visit the forges when the men are potentially more relaxed. 

Risley Forge

Risley Forge is a rare facility - an “engineering smithy” for everyone, where it

is possible to get mechanical items manufactured or repaired. The forge offers

four main areas of business activity, namely precision engineering,

mechanical fitting, welding and blacksmithing skills provided by experienced

craftsmen.

Address: Risley Forge, Warrington Road, Risley, Warrington, WA3 6AY.

Phone: 01925 812122

Email: phil@risleyforge.com

Owner: Phil Gannon

Employees: Bill, John.

Website: http://www.risleyforge.com/

Bartington Forge

Established in 1982 by David Wilson, Bartington Forge is a small family run

blacksmithing business. Now run jointly with his son Peter, with David’s wife

Jean as secretary, Bartington Forge seeks to offer high quality work with

special attention to service. Using traditional and modern methods, the forge

produces handmade decorative and ornamental ironwork, tools for industry,

ironwork for the inland waterways, security work for local councils and

customised items for individual clients.

Address: Warrington Road, Bartington, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 4QU.

Phone: 01606 851553

Email: peter.bartington-forge@virgin.net

Owner: David Wilson

Employees: David Wilson, Peter Wilson.

Website: http://www.bartingtonforgeblacksmith.co.uk/

Chris Brammell LTD

At Chris Brammall Ltd we are dedicated to the creation of the highest quality

sculptural and architectural metalwork. We have been producing bespoke

work for over 19 years ranging from small-scale private commissions to

extensive public realm initiatives and specialist fabrication.

Address: Low Mall Business Park, Morecambe Road, Ulverston, Cumbria,

Lake District, LA12 9EE.

Phone: 01229 588580

Email: admin@chrisbrammall.com

Owner: Chris Brammall

Website: http://www.chrisbrammall.com/

Luke Lister

Established in 1890, Luke Lister Blacksmiths and Fabrication Engineers have

been providing high quality craftsmanship and service for five generations.

Address: 173 Heaton Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 1AQ.

Phone: 0161 480 4074

Mobile: 07890 058914

Email: info@lukelister.co.uk

Owner: Luke Lister

Website: http://www.lukelister.co.uk/

DA Mason Blacksmiths

DA Mason Blacksmith has been established for 25 years in the Cheshire town

of Crewe. As a traditional blacksmith the company has carried out all types of

repair and welding work as well as making gates and railings for the domestic,

commercial & agricultural market.

Address: Unit 2, Gresty Lane, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5DD.

Phone: 01270 583371

Owner: David Mason

Woolton Blacksmiths

Address: Holt Lane, Liverpool, L27 2YB.

Phone: 0151 488 0177

Owner: Bernie Black




These are the initial forges that I choose to target however through more research I may find more suitable ones.