As with any tradesperson, you should always find out as much as you can about a Winscombe blacksmith before commissioning them to create an item for your premises. It’s unusual for a blacksmith to be in business without a certain level of expertise and experience, simply because it is still a relatively unusual craft.However, one thing you could ask about is your Winscombe blacksmith’s experience and training. Some of the qualifications or experience they might have could include the following:

• having served an apprenticeship with a reputable blacksmith
• having attended a blacksmithing college
• holding a blacksmithing qualification, such as the BTEC National Diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalworking
• experience of working as a blacksmith for a number of years
• membership of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths
• membership of the British Artists Blacksmiths Association
• having been in business for a long time

Any good Winscombe blacksmith should be happy to tell you about their experience and qualifications, allowing you to understand how long they’ve been working as a blacksmith, who trained them and their commitment to the craft. Asking to see examples of their previous work will also give you a good idea of whether your Winscombe blacksmith has the skills and artistry needed to carry out high-quality commissions.

Here at Bibstone Blacksmiths, we are a team of experienced, skilled, qualified and time-served blacksmiths, which can give you assurance that we produce the highest quality craftsmanship in every commission we undertake.