AN AWARD-winning artist blacksmith has been made a Freeman of the City of London Ian Parmenter, 52, whose forge is based at Hook, was given the honour at a ceremony in the Guildhall, London on Friday, 8 December by deputy clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, Laura Miller.
Mr Parmenter said: “It was a real surprise but such an honour. I’m very grateful to Hugh Adams, former Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths for sponsoring me.”
A smith since 1986 when he was trained during service at the Royal School of Military Engineering in England, Ian’s goals are to provide innovative design matched with an understanding and feel for the materials, as well as to provide excellence in teaching the craft to the next generation of smiths.
Fulfilling commissions throughout the UK, and following a six-year spell in Australia where he set up the highly-regarded Ferrocity School of Blacksmithing, Ian is an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths which today provides a globally-recognised standard for smiths.
Ian creates innovative designs in metal, carries out conservation work and also runs one-day blacksmithing for beginners courses. from his forge in Hook.
The next course is on 17 March.
To find out more go to parmenterforge.co.uk.
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