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The origins of 'Black Forge Art' lie in a converted cow shed deep in the heart of rural Kent, where Rod Fender began designing and manufacturing an incredible range of metal artwork. His fresh and innovative approach rapidly led to numerous orders and an extensive, continually growing collection of designs. The combination of Rod's artistry, quality blacksmithing and infectious enthusiasm applied to a never ending stream of ideas makes for impressive weathervanes, intricate yet substantial framed signs and eye-catching wall plaques. He can also incorporate his designs into fire guards, gates, plant hangers, book ends, ornaments, name plates, coat hangers, miniature key hooks, etc.

	Of those early days he says:- "My original aim was to blend top quality metalwork and blacksmithing with a large element of artistry, animation and detail previously unknown in this type of work. As a qualified engineer I managed to combine my previous career with unfulfilled creative and artistic tendencies to develop a craft both unique and distinctive which I appropriately named 'Black Forge Art'. I always tried to ensure accuracy in every detail and regardless of whether the design was my own or supplied by a customer I went to great lengths to bring as much life, movement, realism or humour into the finished piece as possible."

It is still this continuing 'perfection without compromise' approach to his work that has been warmly embraced by many thousands of satisfied customers, both in the UK and worldwide. Rod and his team still strongly adhere to these principles but commissions now include many larger and prestigious signs and structures alongside designing, manufacturing and installing top quality traditionally hot forged gates, railings and garden structures.

Nowadays, despite a growing workforce', while Rod continues to concentrate on the artwork and fabrication of the designs, due to the individualistic nature of his work and and ever increasing demand, he does warn that, commissioning an order well in advance of a specific deadline is often required. "Whatever the order, the final result will be a substantial piece of impressive metalwork, original and historic, designed to last a lifetime and guaranteed to give your property that traditional finishing touch, transforming it into a landmark beheld and admired by all.