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Lee Valentine

I am an artistically trained blacksmith with a passion for restoration. I create because I enjoy the variety of potential within commission work. My main theme is combining contemporary designs and historic techniques to create a unique blend. Most important to me is that the quality of the products that I create. I have always been captivated by the way the craft of blacksmithing maintains the essence of the base material, steel, whilst molding it into the designed object.

I take great influence from the ‘ancestor smiths’ – those craftspeople that created works now classed as archeological finds or heritage sites. I use primarily mild steel, but also incorporate a range of nonferrous metals in my work as well as a more historical wrought iron where appropriate. I am excited to continue to develop my craft in response to the variety and challenge presented by custom commission work.