A HIGHLY rated blacksmith is keeping the ancient trade alive by offering classes ranging from beginner to advanced level.

Working from his forge in Leighterton, Shane White offers two types of lessons specialising in welding and blacksmithing which are tailored to individual needs.

Beginning his career as a chef, Shane was inspired by a friend who was a blacksmith himself.

Shane said: “After picking up a hammer nine years ago I felt whole, I haven’t stopped blacksmithing since.”

After his introduction to the ancient trade, Shane went to Hereford College of Technology to study further and become qualified.

At the college he gained a Level 3 Extended Diploma in blacksmithing and metalwork, graduating with the highest marks possible, a triple distinction.

During his time in Hereford, Shane took part in the annual farriery and professional forging competition.

Competing against his lecturers some of the best blacksmiths in the world, he bagged first prize.

This allowed Shane to pursue impressive projects including working on a penthouse in London.

Shane created complex scrollwork panels which included more than 600 individual scrolls.

He described the project as being open to artistic interpretation, in keeping with the design given to him.

The job required high end decorative forge work on a three-month deadline, but it took only two months to complete.

Stroud News and Journal:

The Viking themed dragon well cover by Shane White

“Some of my most interesting projects include a dragon well and Ragnarok fire guard which depicted the ancient Viking end of the world tale,” added Shane.

Today Leighterton’s blacksmith challenges the people of Gloucestershire to bring him original and inspired ideas, happy to take on new projects.

Shane also teaches introductory welding courses at the Royal Agricultural University, in the Royal Innovations Centre, Cirencester.

To contact Shane for lessons or projects call 07905 188744 or email pheonix.blacksmith@gmail.com