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James also known as OZ is an experienced blacksmith who has being forging since the age of 14, Whilst initially starting with a local blacksmith OZ then moved to Hereford to undertake more training at The National School of Blacksmithing. Interested in both the artistic and conservation aspects of Blacksmithing and having gained experience in different workshops across the UK, he found his self established in London at Hall Conservation Ltd for 5 years as one of their core blacksmiths. He worked on a variety of conservation, heritage and contemporary projects before relocating to Shropshire.

 

Since relocating in 2021 OZ has managed to set up his own workshop and continue his work. To date OZ has had an exciting array of work come though his doors, One of them being the production of Discovery's HGTV show Saving The Manor. In the show James can be seen designing and forging historically correct hand rails for the grade 2 listed manor.

In 2023, Oz undertook additional Conservation training through The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B) By doing this unique annual scheme, Oz broadened his skills and experience by working along side like minded crafts people from Brick layers, Carpenters, Millwrights, Thatchers, Stone masons and many many more crafts people who work in the repair of historic buildings. Over the course of 9 months Oz and three other fellows from specialist backgrounds traveled countrywide together and learn many different aspect of conservation and building conservation 

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of

 talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or

 one-to-one training with master craftspeople. QEST was established to help support

 craftspeople of all ages, from all backgrounds and at critical stage in their careers and thus

 sustain traditional British craftsmanship. As a charity of the Royal Warrant Holders

 Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the

 Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Since 1990 the

 Trust has awarded over £4.9 million to over 550 craftspeople, across 130 craft disciplines. In

 May 2017 HRH The Prince of Wales became the charity’s Patron with Vice-Patrons The Earl

 of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury. www.qest.org.uk

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