Neil Lossock

I started my career as a blacksmith in 1988 in Hereford. In 1994 I became a tutor at Hereford College of Technology later moving to the new National School of Blacksmithing at Holme Lacy, just outside Hereford. During this time, I also set up my own business, Dragonswood Forge, in the quiet beauty of East Herefordshire.

My time as a tutor led to my involvement with the Three Counties Blacksmithing and Farriery Committee. Having served as Chair for several years, I am now Chief Steward, a role that keeps me firmly in touch with the grass roots of the craft.

I have always enjoyed studying botanical form and structure. I began to experiment early on, using steel as my medium, to create naturalistic interpretations of my favourite large and interesting plant forms. Starting with ferns, I moved onto cardoons, teasels and artichokes.I have developed my portfolio of plant forms over the years to include, for example, irises, chrysanthemums and roses. It is important to me, when designing and making the sculptures, that they are as close to the “original” as possible.

Conversely, I enjoy designing and creating the less usual; many large (and small) fire and water breathing dragons, giant fairies and frogs,green men for gable ends, – anything that challenges me is good!

Over the years I have been lucky enough to have some very diverse and interesting commissions; Oxford University, public houses and breweries, hospitals, hotels, the Church of England as well as many private commissions. I have work in private collections across the UK, through Europe and out to North America and Australia.

My work has now been featured in various award winning RHS show gardens and nursery displays in the Floral Marquees at all the well-established RHS Flower Shows. We regularly show at Malvern, Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Park.

In 2016 I was awarded Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, acknowledging the quality of my work and contribution to the craft. This allows me to use the title Master Blacksmith. In 2017 I was given freedom of the Company which led to my becoming a Freeman of the City of London and then a Company Liveryman.

I design and make all my work. Individuality and originality are important to me and I work constantly to evolve and develop my own designs. The UK has a strong tradition of craftsmanship in many different mediums; blacksmithing is one of them and I remain a proud advocate.

Neil Lossock
Dragonswood Forge

My work can also be found at these venues:

https://www.ashwoodnurseries.com/
http://beveregallery.com/
http://www.fireandiron.co.uk/
http://www.ludlowplantcentre.co.uk
http://oldchapelgallery.co.uk/
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
http://www.saltboxgallery.co.uk/