"I am an Artist Blacksmith or ArtSmith dedicated to the belief that the objects we live with should be built to outlast us. In a world of mass production, I offer an alternative: Quality that you can feel in the weight of the steel, Longevity ensured by well-executed joinery and time-tested finishes, and Individuality that reflects your personal story.

​Every piece that leaves my forge is a collaboration. Whether it’s a grand entrance gate or a delicate interior detail, I combine the ancient rhythms of hammer and anvil with a modern eye for design. My work isn't just metalwork—it is a permanent and unique signature on the architecture of your home."

Chalk Pit Forge uses inspiration from the client's location to design artistic and unique pieces of sculptural/functional art that are made to last.

Please view my previous commissions below and on my gallery page.

"Armed with three millennia of technique, there is no shape too complex and no vision too bold to be realised in steel."

Mezzanine Balustrade and Handrail for a Sussex Barn dated 1680.

This historic building needed a balustrade sympathetic to its huge, curvy beams and joists.

Alex says, “I sat in awe and felt the inspiration from the building pour through my pen and onto the paper as I started to design this Mezzanine balustrade.

I drew wobbly lines that could work with the organic wooden beams and joists in the expansive space.

It appears as though the house itself is distorting the balustrade.

Joists pass through it, beams sit above it, and the house interacts with the balustrade at every turn. The metal bends and warps as old joists push their way through.

Memorial sculptures, archways, metal grave heads, benches and any other item can be designed to incorporate a loved one's possessions. They can also have a plaque with words that reflect them or have their initials stamped into the metal as a reference to them.

If you would like something made to remember a loved one, please get in touch, and we can discuss what might be appropriate.

The Poppy Gate below was made in remembrance of a special person who served in the forces.

South Downs Gate.

This gate is placed next to the South Downs Centre in Midhurst. The hills reflect the South Downs. The Tudor house reflects Midhurst, and the Eel and Roach reflect the river Rother.

A close-up of the eel.

"For me, the design journey begins the moment pen hits paper. There is something incredibly liberating about taking both mine and the client’s vision and translating it into hand-drawn sketches; it creates a visceral connection to the work that a computer screen simply can’t replicate. This raw, creative release allows ideas to flow freely and organically. While I offer the precision of computer-aided design upon request, I find that the most soul-stirring ironwork begins with the graphite smudge of a hand-drawn masterpiece."

Our Process

Commissioning a piece of bespoke ironwork is a collaborative journey. We move from a spark of an idea to a finished legacy piece through a dedicated, four-stage process:

1. The Consultation: We begin with a conversation. Whether you have a fully realised blueprint or just a vague feeling of what you need, we discuss the space, the function, and the aesthetic. This is where we explore materials—deciding where the warmth of copper or the clarity of glass might elevate the design.

2. The Design & Prototype: I translate our discussion into sketches and technical drawings. For complex projects, this may include small-scale "maquettes" or material samples, ensuring the proportions and textures feel exactly right before we light the forge.

3. The Forge: This is where the 3,000-year-old techniques come alive. Using heat, hammer, and anvil, your piece is hand-forged. This stage is a balance of raw power and surgical precision, as the metal is coaxed into its final, permanent shape.

4. Finishing & Installation: The piece is treated with traditional or modern finishes—be it a hand-rubbed wax, a natural patina, or a specialised coating—to ensure it stands the test of time. Finally, the work is installed in its new home, ready to serve for generations.

Bring Your Vision to Life

Get in Touch

Every great work of iron begins with a single conversation. Whether you are looking for a historic restoration, a piece of architectural metalwork, or a unique artistic sculpture, I invite you to reach out. Let’s discuss how we can use fire and craft to build something extraordinary for your home or business.

• Visit the Forge: (By appointment only)

  Chalk Pit Forge, Amberley Museum, Amberley, Nr Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT

• Alternatively, contact me to arrange a visit to the address you envisage for your exquisite masterpiece.

• Call the Studio: 07793679788

• Email me: alex@chalkpitforge.co.uk