David Curtis of David Curtis Wrought Ironwork in Crockenhill can trace his family tree as far back as 200 years, and in every generation a skilled blacksmith has been renowned for being based in the area. Many of the traditional methods used back then are still used today.

David runs the business, while his father Bill, still works part time at the Forge on the historic Crouch Farm estate. Together they have over 70 years experience in the trade, beginning in 1950 when Bill took the business over from his father-in-law, Harold Harber.

Harold had worked as a farrier shoeing cavalry horses during the first world war and when he set up shop in Crockehill on his army discharge, ironwork for horses and carts was still a big part of the business.

Bill, however, foreseeing the decline of horsedrawn transport, focused on becoming a general smithy and specialised in smaller, ornate ironwork, such as fire baskets and specialist commissions which demonstrated his craftsmanship. He was also keen to embrace new technology and was one of the first blacksmiths to use arc welding as well as traditional forging techniques.

Prior to that the family business was run from The Forge in the centre of Crockenhill village - now the home of Dawes garage - and David has invoices showing the family blacksmithing business in full now as far back as the early 1800s.

Today, elegant gates and railings are a speciality of David's. His favourite commission is a set of Georgian style gates made for Bromley Council to embellish Chislehurst Recreation Ground. Many similar examples of his work can be found throughout Kent, including the prestigious Keston and Farnborough Park estates.

Gates and railings, security grills and ballustrades are just a few of the items that he produces to the highest quality time and time again. He also offers steel fabrication and site welding services.

You can see some more of his recent work by clicking here or to contact him click here.