Brasted Forge

David C Harman FWCB Eminent Master Blacksmith

Upon leaving school in 1978, with the Sir John Burrows Award for metalwork among his achievements, David began a four year apprenticeship with R Durtnell & Sons, a highly regarded building firm and family business first established in 1591.

Each trade within the company offered apprenticeships and, with 20 to 30 applicants for each place, competition was fierce. David won an apprenticeship in the blacksmith’s shop.

In the first two years, his tutor was the late John Probert and when he moved from the area David completed his apprenticeship under Len Hutton FWCB. Both tutors were hard taskmasters but highly respected throughout the trade. David felt privileged not only by being taught by these two but also being part of such a renowned company which had an amazing range of decorative ironwork contracts. Wages in those days were minimal but the value of the experience gained and the wealth of knowledge acquired was priceless.