So is anyone doing anything to inspire us all?

Back in 2009 a small group of unpaid volunteers got together, with the vision to raise awareness about the traditional skills of blacksmithing. They were determined to tackle the ‘usual suspect’ issues with their craft, namely:

• the wrong people getting specialist work
• the lack of information available to professionals
• low tender prices winning contracts (because of inadequate specifications)

And so the National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) was formed.

They quickly formed a remit, with their main aims and goals to:

• promote suitably skilled and knowledgeable professionals
• provide accreditation for blacksmith conservator/restorers
• set guidelines on the specification of heritage ironwork
• educate professionals and the public

However, far from setting up ‘an old boys club’ the NHIG wanted to bringing together everyone in their specialism, to discuss sector issues and ultimately get universal agreement across their craft.

You may be forgiven for thinking at this point; this is where it all goes wrong. Great idea getting everyone together, but there will be conflict, fighting and a general punch-up!

But you’d be wrong.

Back in June I attended the NHIG’s first meet up, where I was invited as a speaker. The founding members were understandably twitchy – how would this new initiative be received??

As you might expect, with over 70 of the UK’s leading blacksmiths together in a room, there was lively discussion. There were even a few, that were ‘outraged’ that this group of people, had dared set up the NHIG without consulting them!! However, unity prevailed and there was a unanimous vote to accept the NHIG’s proposals. I was amazed! What an achievement!

Last Saturday, I attended the second ‘open forum ‘meeting, where the group were discussing the NHIG’s future conservation policy. This time, there were no disparaging voices at all and everyone got stuck into the unholy task of agreeing their new conservation policy. Again, the NHIG members had prepared an extremely well researched and thought out document for discussion. Amazingly, apart from a few changes, this was unanimously voted through as well. Once again I was amazed!

Tuesday (July 20th) sees the launch of the NHIG’s new blacksmiths bursary scheme. As official sponsors, ProjectBook will be proudly supporting the launch at Hampton Court, which is also being supported by all the major UK heritage organisations. What a day for UK Blacksmiths!!

The NHIG have notably achieved more in less than ONE year than many ‘heritage’ organisations have achieved in decades!!