We had Lucian Avery, a New Englander, as our demonstrator this Spring. I met Lucian a number of times over the years and his work always stood out. His forgings are clean and neat. Much of his hardware is traditional and sometimes he uses a traditional design to which he adds his own detail or style to the piece.

Lucian started blacksmithing to make tools for gardening and woodworking but was soon captivated by the process of blacksmithing itself. He is primarily self-taught. He says that he gleaned bits and pieces of the craft from many sources such as, old-time local smiths, contemporary smiths, books, and a few classes. He feels that most of his learning has been through the hands-on work and experimentation in his own studio.

He started forging full time in 1993, focusing on custom designed, commissioned pieces. Over the years he has grown to enjoy making door hardware and that has become his primary focus. Lucian teaches classes in blacksmithing and demonstrates in the New England area.

Lucian works and lives with his family in Hardwick, Vermont. You can see more of his work at www.lucianaveryblacksmith.com.