The Gressenhall gates

The Gressenhall Gates

An abridged overview by David Hawkins of BABA's International Conference and AGM at Gressenhall Rural Life Museum August 1992

A press release described it as the "largest International gathering of blacksmiths ever seen in Norfolk, racing against time to forge a pair of decorative gates in a weekend!".

Work on the weekend started some two years earlier when Tony Keeble bravely suggested that Gressenhall would provide a suitable and interesting venue for the AGM Conference 1992 during a Council meeting. It was only as a result of an immense amount of work by Mr Keeble and Bridget Yates, Curator of Gressenhall, the Norfolk Rural Life Museum, that the event could take place.

There were a number of foreign guests invited including Brad Silberberg (USA); WillemJonkers (Netherlands); Matthias Peters (Germany); Herman D'Hasse (Belgium); Eerik Kóuts, Heinz Müller, Tiina (Estonia); Sergei Polubotko, Nikolay Jemeljanchuk, and Yuri Saroisyaw. They gave demonstrations and took part in the manufacture of the gates, producing some fine and interesting work throughout the weekend.

The main task, in forging terms, for the weekend was to make a pair of gates for the front entrance to Gressenhall. The design of the gates is based on the architecture of the house itself, taking the front elevation to establish the form of the framework.

Many people had brought along dog bars which had been made advance at their own premises which were placed on or near the laying-out table. Those who were going to work on the framework of the gates divided into teams and those who were going to make infills for the panels collected the ready-made frames. After much earnest and useful discussion everyone concerned themselves with the serious business of the barbecue, and the bar. The evening event took place both inside and outside of a large marquee erected in a courtyard inside the walls of Gressenhall.

After a blustery night, work got under way on the gates, with much gusto. Forging carried on unabated for most of the day with some particularly good, and heavy, work being done by the frame makers. Tea and coffee were constantly on tap nearby, and many people took the opportunity to watch a video, buy a book, or look at the trade stands during the day.

At noon, the exhibition was opened in the former chapel by Mr. Paul Howell, MEP for Norfolk. The exhibition itself was very ably set up by Carol Oakes and Paul Margetts and was an excellent showcase for the work of the contemporary smith. The winning fire irons from the recent competition (fire irons for the Queen) by Mike Malleson were on show along with a very large range of work. Some of the work brought along by international guests was particularly interesting, including some copper bowls by Matthias Peters, and candlesticks from Estonia. There was a great deal of good work from many BABA members.

Forging started immediately after the opening. Everyone worked hard and made a lot of progress during the remainder of the day. There were also some interesting demonstrations from the guest blacksmiths in various locations around the forging areas.

After a very productive day's work, there were some interesting case-studies given in an upstairs room. Afterwards, everyone gathered for the evening meal in the marquee, followed by a lively dance session provided by a local ceilidh band. Old friendships were renewed, and new ones made. Meanwhile, the wind was getting up and the flaps of the tents were becoming increasingly animated. There was a rough night ahead – at least as far as the weather was concerned.

In the morning with the wind still blowing strongly, there was breakfast, followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Association. Work recommenced on the gates shortly afterwards with a few problems caused by the very strong winds and driving rain - luckily not continuous. The most disruptive problem was a power cut caused by the effects of the weather, which caused all work at the electrically blown forges, power hammers, welders, grinders, etc. to stop until some generators were brought into action at very short notice, and work was able to continue.

Progress was made until the forges were closed down for the evening and the second case-study session started. The speakers were drowned out whenever the door was opened as the generators outside roared away but gave a good account of themselves. Nonetheless, AlanDawson and Terry Clarke, amongst others, gave very interesting talks.

After the case study sessions, the masses assembled for the evening meal, which remarkably had been cooked in the ovens of local householders as a way of circumventing the effects of the power cut - a very generous gesture by the local populace! The power was restored later, and an entertaining session of the 'BABA AllStars' was enjoyed by all into the night (and morning).

On the Bank Holiday Monday there was still a fair amount of work which remained to be completed, so, despite the rigours of the night before, forging and assembly started in earnest. With the power restored things were a little more straightforward than the day before, and with a herculean effort the gates were completed for hand-over during the late afternoon to Gressenhall.

Through the efforts and resources of many people, too numerous to mention, the Gressenhall International Conference became a memorable event; provided an important contact with members of the public (who showed much interest and enthusiasm throughout the weekend); left behind an impressive reminder of what smiths are capable of making, in the gates; and renewed and made important new contacts and friendships with our overseas colleagues.