Creative local blacksmiths, Anvilman, have become the latest business to sign up to the Discover our Land campaign.
The Red Row based business, which uses traditional methods of forging to create artwork with metal, has become an ambassador for the Northumberland County Council led campaign.
It joins other businesses including Tharsus, Egger, Port of Blyth, Deep Ocean, Hepple Gin and Dipsticks Research Ltd, in showing its support for the campaign. Discover our Land was launched in January and aims to promote Northumberland as a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
The campaign is building a social movement by sharing the stories of businesses and individuals to show people from outside the county to build a career here, invest and grow their business, set up home or explore and visit.
Anvilman is run by blacksmith and artist Stephen Lunn and his daughter Ashlee Donaldson, who combine traditional methods of forging with contemporary designs inspired by nature in Northumberland. The forge has been in the family since 1921.
Kelly Angus, Executive Director of HR/OD & Deputy Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said:
“We are thrilled to have Anvilman on board with the Discover our Land campaign. Through the campaign we want to tell the story of all of the exciting things happening in Northumberland, so to have a local artist supporting the cause showcases the unique culture Northumberland has to offer.
“We hope that Anvilman’s support for the campaign will help to persuade other businesses of all sizes to get involved and help spread the message about what’s great about Northumberland.”
Mr Lunn added:
“My grandfather prided himself in providing quality service and workmanship, which has been our policy ever since. Back then our main business came from shoeing farm horses and general blacksmithing. However, as the years have passed the business has evolved and I now class myself as an artist as well as a blacksmith.
“I am inspired by the Northumberland coastline, where I have lived all my life. I often combine beach stones into my work fusing the iron and stone together, one worn by the power of the sea, the other shaped by the fire and the delicate blows of a hammer.
“I hope that by taking part in the Discover our Land campaign we can help showcase the benefits of investing and doing business in Northumberland.”