Barrie’s interest in Ironwork was sparked by a desire to make a Japanese sword from damascus steel. To develop this he attended basic blacksmithing courses at Cannington Agricultural college. This hobby escalated until he had built a workshop to house his power hammer, forge and anvil. he was admitted as a full member of the Wessex Guild of Blacksmiths having submitted a successful test piece.
he has always enjoyed making small and intricate decorative pieces of ironwork, often incorporating dragons into the design.
Barrie’s wife had taken up basket making at the same time and he has always been interested in this craft. He was involved in the process of making tools and forms for basketry as well as attending courses with her to learn traditional techniques from makers such as DJ Davies in Wales and Joe Hogan in Ireland. Barrie has returned to the Cyntell basket, a traditional Welsh farming basket made using a hazel frame with willow weavers. He has recently developed a shopping basket with a handle as a variation on this form.