MEET THE MAKER
Somerset blacksmith, axe maker and bladesmith Alex Pole shapes metal into beautiful kitchenware and practical tools
We brave the heat to step inside the forge of Somerset blacksmith Alex Pole
From his smithy in the heart of Somerset cider country, surrounded by soaring apple trees and rolling countryside, Alex Pole can be found hard at work in the heat of his furnace. Here he repeatedly strikes pieces of hot steel on his anvil to forge them into meat forks, knives and dishes – objects that are both beautifully formed and built to last. And, when he’s not handcra !ing bespoke items, Alex also hosts workshops and courses for budding young blacksmiths and hobbyists.
Tell us about your background
I was a boarder at Marlborough College until I was 18, then brie"y studied architecture in London before moving to Plymouth College of Art to study jewellery making followed by architectural metalwork. A !er college I worked and travelled, ending up in Western Australia for eight years where I established a jewellery business. I returned to the UK in
2006 and went back to blacksmithing. I set up Alex Pole Ironwork in 2008.
When did you rst discover a love of metalwork?
When I was about four years old I would sit with my mum at home and watch her make jewellery. For as long as I can remember I have been drawn to metals of all types: from casting lead !gures to ! ne jewellery.
Tell us about the range of items you make
Throughout my blacksmithing career, I have made a huge range of pieces, from gates and railings, to sculpture and lighting. Now I specialise in kitchenware and cooking utensils. I have several di "erent sides to the business, and make axes and knives too.
Who and what inspires you the most?
My inspiration comes from the material itself and what I can do with it. As everything I make has a speci !c purpose or function, I am quite constrained but, in a way, this makes the design process much easier. Instagram has been a great tool for inspiration and communicating with the global makers community.
What is your process?
All of my products are traditionally hand forged from a variety of di "erent steels (mild steel or high carbon steel). I use a gas forge nowadays as it is be#er for small production work. The steel is heated to 1,000°C, then hammered or pressed to achieve the right shape.
Describe your workshop
I have a fantastic workshop in south Somerset on the edge of a 75- acre cider orchard. It is
‘For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to metals of all types: from casting lead gures to ne jewellery.’
split into two spaces: one is purpose-built for running our blacksmithing courses and the other is for production.
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Learning how to make axes has been quite a di !cult journey, so ge"ing to the point where I am happy with the results makes me feel very proud. A huge high point was doing a knife-making, cooking and cocktail demo with knife maker Ed Hunt and chef Valentine Warner at Cerys Ma"hews’ The Good Life Experience in Flintshire, Wales, last year. I love collaborating with other makers and chefs and this one was a huge smash.
What are you currently working on?
A new range of spun steel frying pans and skillets with forged steel handles. One range for the kitchen and another for the camp# re.
Any future plans?
I try not to plan too far ahead but for 2019/2020 I want to continue developing new designs for the Forge Kitchenware brand, as well as build our reputation as a place to come and learn about blacksmithing. The courses I run with my team of smiths have become an important part of the business and we are growing that aspect each year. My biggest ambition is to have my book published – I am an avid reader and collector of books and it would be amazing to see my own words in print. See more of Alex’s creations at alexpoleironwork.com.