About Us

Ben Cooper
Hi, I'm Ben, the owner and blacksmith of Great Oak Forge.
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My passion for metal began back in 2014 when, believe it or not, I had a dream about becoming a blacksmith! Something changed inside me and three days later I found myself on a training course in Lincoln with the amazing Bob Oakes and it/he completely changed the direction of my life.
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The experience lit a fire in my belly that I never knew I had and I haven’t looked back since. People say I was born to do this job, which is quite true as through family research we have found that although the name 'Cooper' means 'barrel maker' we had lots of ironworkers in my family through the ages! I have grown my business from a shed in my back garden to now a large workshop with all the gear that I have accrued over the years and along with my partner Beth who is the admin wizz, children who ‘think’ they help, fellow blacksmith colleagues and friends we have now become a successful small family business that I am very proud of!
By blending modern and traditional techniques we can create decorative and functional ironwork and create stunning pieces for inside your home, out in the garden, for your security or more recently for your wedding day!
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We also fabricate structural ironwork and restore and repair agricultural ironwork and machinery and offer a mobile welding service.
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If it's made of metal we can make it, or fix it!
We now offer experience days for the public and charities to offer everyone a chance to have a go as, after all, everyone deserves to have a go at the BEST job in the world. To show my passion to others and for them to go away feeling accomplished is something I strive for everyday!