Bowls too hot to handle (From Ledbury Reporter)
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Bowls too hot to handle
12:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News
ONE OF A KIND: Andrew Findlay from Eastnor Forge has made a series of bowls from silicon bronze, two of which are pictured. By Nick Toogood. 1013261901.
A LOCAL forge is a hive of activity in the run-up to Easter, as a father and son team get to grips with a metal that is too hot to handle for most blacksmiths.
Andrew Findlay and son Ross of the Eastnor Forge are busy preparing for their Easter open weekend, and Andrew is particularly proud of a series of 50 bowls made in forged “silicon bronze”.
He estimated that only half a dozen blacksmiths in the UK can successfully work the glittering material, and he explained: “The bowls are heavily worked under the power hammer and then selectively polished to give a varied texture.
“It is unusual for a blacksmith to hot-forge bronze as it has a very narrow working temperature range.
“This requires intense concentration while heating as the bronze can become molten in an instant and the piece would be spoiled.”
Also on show will be a selection of hand-forged sculptural and functional pieces, for home and garden, including plant stands, benches and spiral wind sculptures.
Mr Findlay said: “The mini gallery will house a selection of fire irons and interior pieces.
“Forging will be taking place at intervals throughout the day for those who would like to see items being made at the fire.”
Eastnor Forge will be open 10am to 5pm on Saturday, March 30, Sunday, March 31, and Monday, April 1.
