Artisans of Dartmoor - Book - Page 23
In folklore, blacksmiths were considered magicians
with superhuman abilities because of their mastery
over metal. In Victorian times, every village would
have had at least one smithy. (In the nearby town
of Ashburton, the 1851 census recorded 16 resident
blacksmiths, with the youngest aged just 12.) Today,
Greg is one of just three professional smiths left on
Dartmoor. “Smithies used to be a central part of village
life because people always needed tools mended, made
or sharpened,” he says.
In Moretonhampstead, a town known for its vibrant
craft scene, Greg finds there’s still demand for bespoke
tools, especially from neighbouring makers, who include
a shoemaker and several potters. He often makes iron
frames and armatures for his partner, willow weaver
Katherine Miles (see page 79). “There’s wonderful
companionship in spending time with other makers.
We mostly sit around moaning about how hard we have
to work, but we’re all in it together, and that creates
a special bond.”
The Blacksmith • Greg Abel
LEFT: Greg holds a collection
of tools designed for grasping,
twisting and hammering
hot metal.
BELOW LEFT: A variety of
tongs are needed for holding
steel of different thicknesses
and shapes.
BELOW RIGHT: A cast iron
stove door is sent in for repair.
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