Nol Putnam, 1934-2023

[JHCC]

Nol Putnam died last night, the evening of Sunday, June 11. Another master passes.

[Frosty]

I'll say some words with higher for Nol. Happily he spent many years sharing his knowledge with everybody who would listen. 

Rest well Brother, see you on the other side.

Frosty The Lucky.

[JHCC]

A good article from a couple of years ago, profiling him on his retirement:

Leaving the forge: Rappahannock blacksmith Nol Putnam sketches life’s next chapter

[Glenn]

Condolences to his family and friends.

[Scott NC]

  Thanks for the link.  I like his attitude and admire his work.  I wish I could have met him.  I said a prayer.

[Malcolm and Gale]

My husband, Malcolm Harlow, met Nol many years ago at the cathedral while Nol was doing many of the gates.  Malcolm was a stone carver.  They became fast friends.  What an exordinary presence and full of laughter!  What an honor to have spending time on the planet with Nol.  He taught a blacksmithing course at our school, Opus Oaks.  Our prayers and love go out to his family.  What are we going to do without him on the planet?

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

Another Master passes, may he Rest in Peace. I will ring the anvil in his honor.

[Daswulf]

May his passing to Gods love and light be full of great experiences to reflect on. And let his family and friends reflect on him fondly. 

[anvil]

I met him  a few times and watched him demo. An inspiration.   

[ChristoB_WNC]

As a volunteer tour guide at the Washington National Cathedral, Nol and his work have been a big part of my life for years now.  I met Nol through his work at the cathedral, some 20 years ago, and then later had the privilege to work with him as he wrote "Beauty in the Shadows" (a coffee-table-style book about the cathedral's entire ironwork collection), serving as one of his editors and photographers for that terrific book.  I visited his forge many times while he was a "cornerstone" of the RAAC annual art tour weekend each November; it is very sad to realize seeing him at last year's RAAC event was to be the last time.  

Nol was always gracious, thoughtful, humorous, generous and insightful.  He was a charming host, and I loved listening to him speak, whether off the cuff or if giving a presentation or lecture.  I will be adding an extra focus on his work during my cathedral tours this weekend.  Rest in peace, Nol... and maybe give those Pearly Gates a little bit of a make-over, some florets and leaves, please! 

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

Thank you for the personal reflection on master Putnam.

I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sails. ~ Semper Paratus

[JHCC]

The National Cathedral in Washington DC has posted a tribute to Nol on their webpage:

In Memoriam: Nol Putnam (1934-2023)

[Frosty]

Thanks for the link John. Maybe they'll open access to some of his gates. He did so much inspiring work, it's a shame not to be able to see so all of it.

Frosty The Lucky.

[Denise]

Nol was a friend and neighbor.  He could be gnarly, contentious, self-absorbed, and, like most artists, temperamental.  He also had a great heart, an open mind, and a questing Spirit, and was always open to new ideas and "rooting" for the Underdog.  His stunning work speaks for itself, far better than I.  Nol was comfortable with himself, and a great "host" and raconteur, always curious to see around the next bend, and (almost) always upbeat.  Also, unfailingly polite, and sensitive to those in need of assistance.  Nol was a master, in many ways, of the Art of living well, and he shared his ebullience and joy with all who knew him.  RIP, friend ~ you, and your unimaginable work, were a Force to be reckoned with!

Denise