Poplars Forge
Is a Traditional Blacksmiths Worshop with a modern twist
We work out of the old Sawmill within Castle grounds of the Gladstone Estate in Hawarden North Wales near to Chester.
Steven Gillard – Artist Blacksmith
Steven Decided to form Poplars Forge as a full time self-employed self-taught Blacksmith in 2002, having worked with steel from the age of 17 following in the footsteps of his late father who was a maintenance welder fabricator.
Although most of the work produced was fabricated i.e., Gate’s and Railings this did not satisfy his desire as he wanted to do more ornate work and design his own commissions and help design for and with clients, having taken up a position with Motherwell Bridge who are a large fabrication company specialising in tank building and maintenance in the Oil refinery sector.
Whilst working for Motherwell Bridge I decided to start a part time business called Cheshire Gates and Railings unfortunately this was not a great success.
Many years later I decided to revisit the work that I do now. In 2013 I applied for a position as a trainee Blacksmith at Holm Lacy College of Art in Hereford.
Having taken a test I got accepted for a position for to years in advance Forgework and design skills, Having completed the course a gained my Diploma as an Artist Blacksmith having been taught my Forgework skills By Paul Allen and my design work skills by Adrian Legge.
Stuart Wilson – Artist Blacksmith
Stuart Wilson came to work for Poplars forge in 2007 as a steel fabricator having had 5 years working alongside a Blacksmith he had some very valuable skills which helped the company grow to what it is today, in 2017 Stuart also passed his Diploma as a Artist Blacksmith with a distinction and now manages Poplars Forge.
Stuart Has became a major part of the company with his Management, Design and building skills and has a great talent in providing confidence to our team and client base.