James is an experienced blacksmith who has being forging since around the age of 14, Whilst initially starting with a local blacksmith James then moved to Hereford to undertake more training at The National School of Blacksmithing. Interested in both the artistic and conservation aspects of metalwork 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 James has managed to set up his own workshop and continue his work. To date James 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.
Come March 2023, James is hoping to undertake additional Conservation training through The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B) By doing this unique annual scheme, James will broaden his skill and experience by working along side like minded craftspeople from any trade who work in the repair of historic buildings. The programme gives Fellows the chance to travel countrywide together and learn on site from specialist craftspeople, architects, surveyors and others working in 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
