Studio

Charlie Dickinson

The term ‘Artist Blacksmith’ has been used widely in recent years to describe people who set up in practice from a variety of backgrounds which include Welding, Design, Fine Art and Sculpture, Engineering and many others.

Having trained in the traditional manner as an apprentice, my working life has always been to make and repair objects that have a function. After mainly working to commission, I now find myself having the opportunity, as an Artist Blacksmith, to enjoy the challenge of making objects purely for their aesthetic appearance. Not only using alternative metals, but experimenting, and presenting a mixed media approach, currently incorporating stone.

At the Forge we have a small gallery of current work available for sale - hand forged pieces, experimental pieces - traditional pieces with a twist! - some larger, some smaller. There may be a series? - but not a “mass produced” piece in sight!

If you would like to purchase any of the pieces below, please contact us. Please note that prices shown do not include delivery.

Upcoming Exhibitions 2026

MAY 7TH,8TH,9TH&10TH--14TH,15TH,16TH&17TH .... Sandhurst Farm Forge Collective presents a selection of work from all 4 Dickinsons at Merriworth May Art Fair in the Exhibition Barn,Mereworth Winery, Brewers Hall Oast,Tonbridge Rd Kent ME18 5JD

MAY 22ND,23RD,24TH... Sandhurst Farm Forge Collective is exhibiting at the Cobble Barn ,as part of the last weekend of the Pilgrims Way Artists Exhibition at the Tithe Barn Lenham ME17 2QD

JUNE 5TH,6TH & 7TH; 12TH,13TH & 14TH; 19TH,20TH &21ST.... Sandhurst Farm Forge Collective is again opening for "South East Open Studios" 10 am -6pm with demonstrations each day.

JULY11TH... As part of Sandhurst Farm Forge Collective Charles is at the Alexander Centre 15-17 Preston St, Faversham ME13 8NZ courtesy of "Folkand Bespoke" with a slection of work from all 4 of us.

NOVEMBER 13TH 4.30-7.00pm SATURDAY 14TH & SUNDAY 15TH 10am-4pm. "Hand Made Mid Winter Market 2026" Tithe Barn ,Court Lodge ,Lenham,Kent ME17 2QD.

Bull rushes Garden Sculpture

Mild Steel and Copper Bull Rushes Garden /Pond Sculpture.Finished with "Renaissance"Micro Crystalline Wax Polish.

Height: Apprxox 200cm

Width:Approx 120cms at the widest point.

Price: £1000.00

Taster Sessions at the Forge

Taster sessions run from May 1st through to September 30th, and are available to anyone 16 and over, but between 16-18 there must be a responsible adult present. Sessions are planned on a one-to-one basis to take approximately two hours, usually very flexible. Cost of the session is £50.00 per person.
However, it is possible for two people to share two sessions, alternating hammer use to allow rest between operations. Also it is good to be able to watch someone else.
An apron, gloves and goggles/over glasses will be provided.

All materials are included in the session fee. The session will include a variety of techniques to finish up with a small, finished piece such as a hook or leaf keyring.

If you are interested in a Taster Session then do plese contact us.

Taster techniques

The aim of the taster session is to finish with either a hook and leaf key ring.To achieve this you will learn how to work with tongs to hold the hot metal, and understand the coke fire so that you can judge when the metal will be ready to forge.You will work through various techniques, forging with the hammer, such as Upsetting, Drawing out, Scrolling,Chiselling, and Fullering. All explained at the session.