Greg Abel

BLACKSMITH
Moretonhampstead

BOOK AN EXPERIENCE WITH GREG:
Phone: 01647 440331
Email: gregabel@moretonforge.co.uk
Website: http://www.moretonforge.co.uk

One of just a handful of blacksmiths left on Dartmoor, Greg works in a 150-year-old stone forge, where vintage farm and farriers’ tools, made by previous smithies, still hang from the rafters.

Greg uses traditional coal in the original hearth rather than gas, which is now more commonly used, while hammer and anvil still his main tools.

Greg’s products include gates, railings, fireside sets, weather vanes, rose arches, knives, coat hooks and shoe-scrapers, which he makes for the local community.

Greg says: "It's magical knowing that the forge has had so many smiths before me using the same skills and methods. I often wonder if they are they watching me, making sure that I am doing it right."

During Greg's sessions, you will see the traditional blacksmith's forging techniques of drawing a metal out (making it thinner), jumping up (increasing its size), splitting, punching, twisting and fire welding.

EXPERIENCES WITH GREG

FORGE TOUR AND DEMONSTRATION
One hour | £100 per group (max 8 people)

Step back in time, with a tour of Greg’s Victorian forge which has changed little in 250 years! Greg will show you the basics of forging, covering all the principle techniques.

MAKE YOUR OWN
Four hours | £200 per person (max 2 people)

Learn how to forge your own utensil in this one-to-one session with Greg. Choose from a fire poker, toasting fork, letter opener, coat hook or barbecue butler. Price: £200 for four hours. 

 READ GREG’S STORY IN A NEW BOOK!