ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
RHYS HARLIN
RECENTLY AWARDED A BRONZE MEDAL FROM THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF BLACKSMITHS , ALONG WITH THE TITLE MASTER BLACKSMITH , RHYS HARLIN A . W . C . B . CONTINUES THE ANCIENT ART OF BLACKSMITHING FROM DARENTH VALLEY FORGE IN EYNSFORD . RHYS PROUDLY AND EXPERTLY PROVIDES CLIENTS WITH BOTH TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY MEDIUMS TO CREATE BESPOKE PRODUCTS TAILORED TO INDIVIDUAL METALWORK NEEDS .
Rhys , tell us a little bit about your journey and background as a blacksmith . Blacksmithing is one of the oldest crafts and has always fascinated me . While studying for my GCSEs , I was lucky enough to get work experience with a blacksmith , which then progressed to a Saturday job before increasing to part-time while at college . Things progressed quickly over a short period of time and at age 18 , I was running Darenth Valley Forge . The last 11 years have been fantastic . I have worked with some lovely clients for whom I ’ ve been able to design and create some amazing projects .
Please explain the process behind creating a piece . My work is done to commission . From design to installation , a job starts with the initial concept from the client , a budget is then established before designs are finalised and the forging begins . Traditional and contemporary methods of construction are used to produce the ironwork .
What sort of pieces do you create ? Products I make vary from entrance gates , balustrades and sculptures to small general repairs - every job is different and that ’ s what I love most ! Examples of my work can be found on my website or Instagram page , but I am always happy to take on a challenge . If a client has a particular idea in mind , I always do my best to come up with a way to make it happen - I love bringing an idea to life and finding a way to do so .
As a Kent local , do you find inspiration from The Garden of England ? Kent has a rich history in quality ironwork and I ’ m proud to continue the tradition . Being surrounded by the many old period properties , the incredible architecture of ancient monuments and , of course , the natural beauty and wildlife that Kent has to offer has always inspired me and continues to do so . Kent has without doubt influenced my craft - whether that be through history and heritage or through the visual beauty of the county ’ s buildings and nature .
What else should our readers know about Darenth Valley Forge ? We draw from a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of forged metal work to work on large and small commissions – from design all the way through to installation . I also work closely with architects , designers , private clients and heritage groups in Kent , London , Surrey and Sussex . I am very used to demanding deadlines !
Whether it is a piece of traditional ironwork to suit a period property , or a contemporary design to enhance your garden , the concept stage is where it starts . All of our work is designed and manufactured inhouse to ensure quality and individuality .
www . darenthvalleyforgeblacksmiths . co . uk darenthvalleyforge darenthvalleyforgeblacksmiths
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