Blacksmith opens forge to public

By emoore edd moore

ONE of the country's most respected blacksmiths is to open his forge near Plymouth to the public next month.

Richard Bent, a three-time National Champion, will be allowing visitors to watch him work as part of the Devon Open Studios arts event.

With 32 years experience in the industry, the self-taught specialist has been awarded a coveted silver medal by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, an organisation which dates back to 1325.

He is responsible for the stunning main gates of All Souls College, in Oxford, as well as the gates and railings of the Burgh Island Hotel and the Royal Bath and West Showground, in Somerset.

The master blacksmith, designer and sculptor also provided lions' heads for the famous Tower of London.

Richard's forge, near Modbury, will be open to the public for almost two weeks during September, with visitors offered the chance to watch him working with mild steel by hand and hammer.

A keen blacksmith trainer since 2006, he will also be on hand to answer any questions about the craft.

Richard said: "It's essential that the craft moves with the times and that history is created today for the enjoyment of future generations.

"This is a chance to connect on so many levels and share some magic from the fire with visitors."

Devon Open Studios is the county's largest visual arts and crafts event and this year features 230 artists and craftspeople from the region.

Richard's forge at The Grey Barn, in Pennymoor, will be open to visitors from Saturday, September 5 until Thursday, September 17.