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Blacksmith, Norfolk a98_13558
Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Interior of blacksmiths shop. A farrier shapes a horseshoe on his anvil. Photographed by Hallam Ashley, February 1949. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 1749385
Filename: aa98_13558.jpg
Size: 4398 x 4302 (6.9MB)
Date: 16th September 2009
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
Job Title: Photographer
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> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > Hallam Ashley Collection (1931-1980)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1900s - 1910s
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the timeless art of blacksmithing, as practiced by a skilled farrier in the quaint village of Woodbastwick, Norfolk, England, in February 1949. The interior of the blacksmith's shop is filled with the warm, glowing light of a coal fire, casting long shadows on the worn, textured walls. The farrier, focused intently on his work, shapes a horseshoe on his anvil, the hammer raised and poised to strike. The horseshoe, a vital component of equine care, is transformed under the blacksmith's skilled hands, each strike shaping it to fit perfectly onto a horse's hoof. The tools of the trade are scattered around the workshop, each one a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the farrier. Anvils, hammers, tongs, and horseshoes are all present, their forms familiar and comforting, a reminder of the rich history of rural life and the importance of the blacksmith's role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of horses. The photograph, taken by the renowned photographer Hallam Ashley, offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era, where the rhythms of rural life were dictated by the changing seasons and the needs of the land and its inhabitants. The image is a poignant reminder of the beauty and resilience of traditional crafts, and the importance of preserving the knowledge and skills passed down through generations.