BLACKSMITHING

Lithgow is the birthplace of steel in Australia, and has a long
history of excellence in working with metals.
At one time there were three iron smelters and two
copper smelters in operation in the Lithgow Valley alone.
Blacksmiths of all kinds numbered in the hundreds.

Even today, when blacksmiths are an endangered species
around the country, the Lithgow Region can still count the
number of working blacksmiths in the dozens.

Presenting: Graham Askew's Mini Hall of Fame
(Located just in front of the Hall of Industry)

Do not miss this fantastic collection of unique ironwork and tools
made by farmers and blacksmiths, in their time of need.

Hear Graham talk about the items he has collected together over the last 40 years
on his journeys all around Australia.

Photos by J.Williams & G.Phips

THE BLACKSMITHS

Blacksmithing has been at the 'molten core' of Ironfest from the
very beginning, when Harry Piers, a Central West artist/blacksmith,
first demonstrated ancient skills with his forge at Ironfest in 2000.
At the same time, well known local regional artist/blacksmith, Dave Sherlock,
exhibited hand forged work for sale at the first Ironfest.
Each year more and more blacksmiths come to Ironfest,
often travelling large distances, to exhibit work for sale,
to demonstrate, and/or to take part in competitions.

Over 20 blacksmiths are expected to take part in this year's
blacksmithing competitions, which will be run over three days.

Demonstrating ancient metal working skills, racing against the clock to finish,
turning lumps of iron into art; blacksmiths from all over Australia
drip sweat as they compete in competitions over three days.

The Hall of Industry is the Ironfest engine room where coins are smelted
and the knife-making, chain-mail making and bio-diesel making workshops take place.

There will be continuous blacksmithing action taking
place over the three days in the ‘Hall of Industry’ (see festival site map).

State Mine Museum resident artist blacksmith Phil Spark at work
www.statemine.org.au

Peter Wherrit demonstrating at Ironfest

Glenn Moon hard at work in the Hall of Industry

Armando Djuric (right) from Richmond TAFE discussing the Blacksmith Competition at Ironfest
click for Tafe blacksmithing and metalwork workshops info

Doug Moseley & his wife Myra (in background) at Ironfest
www.dougmoseley.com

Wayne Saunders at his forge
www.ironlordforge.com

Graham Askew exhibiting at Ironfest

Visit the following sites for more information on blacksmithing:

Wikipedia
Ironfest USA
Talisman Gallery
State Mine Museum
AnvilFire
A Gallery of Early Blacksmithing
Ironlord Forge

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