John B Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 The North Somerset Show is the first of the shows on the National Champion Blacksmiths Circuit in the UK, see www.blacksmithscompetition.co.uk for more details Basically they are there to promote blacksmiths and their craft, and to entertain the visitors to the show. There are two competitions, a live forging competition, and a static competition comprising different classes, and a general display of ironwork made by blacksmiths, some for sale, and others just on display. These were the live forging competition entries, the objective, to make a latch in 75 minutes. And here are some of the other items on display and in the other static classes, Firstly these two items were made by one of the Guilds' members, Mr Robert Hobbs, who started by coming along to the guilds courses and progressing through to become a former Master of the Guild, and also a member and an award winner of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, becoming one of the elite group attaining, Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals from the WCB. He kindly brought these along to inspire, and show what can be achieved by forging iron, he also judged the competition pieces at the show. Some of the other items there My apologies for not being able to put names to pieces. Next show on the circuit will be the Devon County Show on 19th, 20th, 21st May, to be held at Westpoint near Exeter, our Guilds training facility, so hopefully more pictures. Thanks to all who contribute to these shows, please support them if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Thanks for posting the pics, John. Looks like a great show. I couldn't help but notice the guy shoeing the horse has a haircut very similar too mine. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marksnagel Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Great pics. thanks for posting. Mark<>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick maxen Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Bob Hobbs work is some of the best in the UK. I had the Farrier and the Doorknocker at my place for a few weeks, between shows and they are quite exceptional pieces of work. What you can't see from the photos is that the farrier is holding another nail in his mouth, ready for using. It makes me smile when I think of that as its a really nice touch that not many people even notice. Mick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 Bob Hobbs work is some of the best in the UK. I had the Farrier and the Doorknocker at my place for a few weeks, between shows and they are quite exceptional pieces of work. What you can't see from the photos is that the farrier is holding another nail in his mouth, ready for using. It makes me smile when I think of that as its a really nice touch that not many people even notice. Mick. Hi Mick, entirely agree, thats one of the reasons Bob has the WCB accolades, the more you look, the more you see, and next time you see it you will probably see even more details you overlooked before. The picture itself is a quirky bit of fate. The model for the workpiece was a farrier named Monty Ball, who sadly died a good few years ago, but his legacy lives on, with the skills he passed on to many others still being carried out. The coincidence is that the chap in the picture in the crowd is actually Monty's brother Peter who is now in his eighties. Here is another piece of Bob's work on the Frank Day Trophy which is used as an award for the inter college competition held at the Three Counties Show annually to help promote young blacksmiths I also have custody of Mike Sully's shire horses/plough and farmer should you like to see them close up at some time, they will be on display at the Westpoint Forge in on August 20th and 21st for anyone attending, see our website www.blacksmiths guild.com special events page for further details Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick maxen Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 John, your name rings a bell with me. Have we met before at one of the county shows or through Bobb Hobbs or Richard Jones. I will be at the New Forest & Hampshire Show in a few weeks to catch up with a few old faces. The last time I competed in that show was back in 2002. Will you be there. Mick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 John, your name rings a bell with me. Have we met before at one of the county shows or through Bobb Hobbs or Richard Jones. I will be at the New Forest & Hampshire Show in a few weeks to catch up with a few old faces. The last time I competed in that show was back in 2002. Will you be there. Mick. Yes our paths have crossed previously, I have a little involvement with the NBCC and will try to attend the New Forest Show this year, so hopefully we will meet up. Maybe try and persuade you to come down to Westpoint and show us how to make patterned steel one weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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