About Black Forge Art
Established in 1989, the origins of Black Forge Art lie in an old farm building deep in the heart of rural Kent, UK.
From the start the aim was to create top quality metalwork, ensuring as much life, movement and realism possible and a finished construction built without compromise. Many of these original and new designs now available for purchase in our online store.
The same working ethos has continued throughout the years and our family run business has now grown a large portfolio of metal artwork commissions as well as many prestigious signs, village signs, public works of art, and weathervanes. We also continue to hand make top quality traditionally hot forged gates, railings, garden structures and a rather spectacular stainless steel barbecue range.
Whatever the product, either a new commission or an online store order we will always ensure the final result will be a piece of impressive metalwork, manufactured to the highest quality, and designed to last a lifetime.

Rod
Design & Artwork
What I do…
As our in house designer and artist I will be your point of contact for all bespoke artwork commissions. I’ve always enjoyed creating unique designs, working closely with our customers to ensure we offer you a lasting commission that you will be proud of for many years.
In my spare time I…
As an proud Northumbrian, I enjoy getting back to my roots in the Northeast coast when I can. I also enjoy cycling, camping, traveling and off-road motorbiking, – ideally around a winding Spanish hillside.

Josh
Fabrication/Welding/Office
What I do…
I will be your point of contact for all workshop and fabrication requests. I am also the barbecue chap/enthusiast/expert for all your bespoke barbecue enquiries and commissions.
In my spare time I…
I try and fit in a round of golf when I can and catch the Formula 1 on a Sunday. As a new Dad family time is now very important. With a yearly late Summer rural retreat holiday (quiet little cottage) with the family & Ralph a must.

Carol
Office & Delivery
What I do…
I have been working at Black Forge Art since the company was established in 1992. I will be the one to keep you updated with your commission, sending you photographs of its progress, keeping the lads organised and arranging either personal courier or pallet delivery.
In my spare time I…
When not spending time with the family I enjoy traveling, sometimes fitting in a short trip with a work delivery to interesting parts of the UK.

Dave
Fabrication/Welding/Workshop
What I do…
I am responsible for ensuring professional manufacture of your commission in our workshop. With five years working at Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during my youth, specialising in tig welding and metalwork.
In my spare time I…
Enjoy a good Rock concert and playing league darts and a round of golf during the Summer. 10:29 tea break for Pop Master is the most important part of a working day!

Nick
Signwriter & Finishing
What I do…
Specialising in bespoke signwriting and lettering I will ensure signage and commercial commissions including Village Signs are professionally sign written in either vinyl, hand painted or 23Ct. gold leaf.
In my spare time I…
Some good local live music or if not good album at home. – I enjoy a walk along the Southeast coast and a swim if the weather is right.

Ralph The Cocker Spaniel
What I do…
Probably the most important job in the company – Keeping everyone happy, demanding someone takes me for a walk around the farm at lunch and the first one to greet you if you were to visit!
In my spare time I enjoy…
In no particular order – walking, running, jumping, swimming, playing, snoozing and… food!
Posted on Google![]()
Nathan18 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had the idea of having the silhouette of my late stepdad cut into metal so that my Mum could remember him. I searched on the internet and came across Black Forge Art. I had a response immediately that they could easily do it. Modifications had to be done to the artwork but they checked they were okay (which they were) and then they were clear about the costs. Josh kept my updated regularly throughout the process and I said from the start I wasn't in any rush. The finished product was amazing. My Mum instantly recognised it as my stepdad. The quality of the finished product is top quality and it came with fixings to stand proud of the wall it's on. Thank you to Josh and those involved -> you've made us extremely happy!+0Posted on Google![]()
Andrew Leaver17 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic service. We had a bespoke metal sign style we wanted copied - the original fabricator was no longer available - and Josh responded quickly to confirm they could do it and provide a price. The finished result was spot-on. Highly recommended!Posted on Google![]()
Shanti Patman10 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good product and excellent customer service. They went out of their way to get our beautiful weathervane completed in time for a birthday gift and even replaced a part which I had mislaid. Can’t recommend them highly enoughPosted on Google![]()
Sally Doel7 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am so thrilled with this weathervane, it is absolutely beautiful, my husband bought it for me as a birthday present, the quality of the workmanship is exceptional, I would totally recommend Black Forge Art. I would also like to thank BFA for the photo of my artwork being made as this added to the gifts surprise. Thank you very much for your quality workmanship.+2Posted on Google![]()
Steve Woodward5 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Can’t speak highly enough of Josh and this excellent business. Josh’s advice, guidance and patience with all the design iterations throughout the process for our house sign was nothing short of outstanding. Then we got the sign yesterday and were blown away by the quality and substantiveness of the sign. Would have no hesitation in recommending Black Forge Art to anyone who wants a quality sign and value for money. Well done and thank you Josh.Posted on Google![]()
John Carlton31 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic service from start to finish .Posted on Google![]()
Stephanie Moorhead11 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I came across this website on google, scrolled through the site and thought give these a bell! They were very helpful , communicated well and understood my thoughts of what I was looking to achieve! So I’m very thrilled and pleased with the outcome of the sign!+1Posted on Google![]()
Noel Robinson30 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely amazing. So happy with the work done. I took a photo of the house used AI to make a silhouette and Black Forge Art turned in into a real life custom sign. The level of detail and workmanship is top quality.+1Posted on Google![]()
Jennifer Mccorry25 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Such a great company who make excellent signs. Great customer service skills, fast bespoke creation and quick packaging for delivery! Definitely recommend.Posted on Google![]()
John Cheadle3 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thanks to everyone at Black Forge Art for making and supplying my new house sign. I had to wait a little longer than I had hoped BUT the sign is excellent! It's robust and built to last so make sure you hang it on a suitable post! There are cheaper alternatives around but this is superb quality for the price. Thanks again, especially to Josh who kept me updated with the manufacturing progress throughout.+2Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more






