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My interest in metalworking began over twenty years ago, when I was about 18. I'd done o.k. in my A levels but had no idea what I wanted
to do for a living - crafts were only a part of the curriculum for those unsuited to academic subjects at the schools I attended !

After a temporary job helping children at my old school with Latin and German, I got a job at a plastic moulding factory to make ends
meet - and became fascinated with the process of making the steel moulds. Complex shapes were hand crafted in shop using mainly low
tech equipment to form the sheet steel.

I became unofficial apprentice to the toolmaker and eventually progressed to being the main toolmaker for the factory, as well as creating
moulds for others in the industry.Over the years I left, and returned to that job several times, trying my hand at building and roofing
amongst other things.

In 1996, I saw a job advertised working for Culworth Forge nr. Banbury, and shortly thereafter joined that long established business.
Although employed mainly to be part of their chimney consultancy team I spent a good deal of time in their workshops, and quickly
gained a reputation for being the chap to go to with tricky repair and restoration work or unusual commissions. I spent the next nine years
at Culworth honing my existing skills and learning the ancient techniques of the blacksmith. I built a forge at home, went on every course I
could, and gathered as much knowledge as I could from books and colleagues.

When my partner Alexandra's career as an organisational consultant took her to Ashridge Consulting near Berkhamstead, the time was right
to move, both geographically and vocationally! In November 2005 we moved to a new home just outside Little Horwood, Bucks. and I
began to set up my own workshop in the outbuilding attached to the house. My forge is a step from my home, and enjoys a beautiful view
of the surrounding countryside. I'm a lucky man !