A traditional blacksmith’s workshop based on the coast of Northumberland, owned and operated by award-winning artist blacksmith Alex Sowden.
Alex is known for his appearances on BBC One’s Make It at Market and Sky Arts’ The Prince’s Master Crafters, and as the recipient of the 2025 Heritage Crafts Association Changemakers Award for his work supporting young people in heritage crafts.
A great believer in craft's role in therapy and self development, Alex won the reserve show champion title for his entry into the Blacksmithing competitions at the Royal Welsh Show 2019, along with Best Apprentice Piece in 2018.
Though he has taken time away from the competition circuit, Alex continues to demonstrate his love for the forge through his artistic commissions, charitable efforts and youth support work.
About Alex
Alex has been forging for over a decade, beginning his blacksmithing journey in 2016. He trained at the National School of Blacksmiths in Herefordshire, worked in Lofoten, Norway, as a Viking blacksmith, and has been running Hammer and Hound Forge since August 2020.
Notable works include:
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Bamburgh Blade – now displayed alongside fragments of the original Saxon blade in Bamburgh Castle’s museum
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Rococo-inspired lantern brackets – created for the billiards room at Bamburgh Castle
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Canopy stays restoration – 1950s cinema at Beamish Museum
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Bonsai tree sculpture – Highgrove Estates, forged as part of The Prince’s Master Crafters in 2021
Services
Hammer and Hound Forge offers:
Traditional forge work on commission
Conservation and restoration of historic ironwork
Steel fabrications
Welding (MMA, MIG, FCAW) in house and on site.
Custom blacksmithing events across Northumberland and the North East
Production of bespoke tooling and batch equipment
Light milling and metal turning
Antique repairs to metal and wooden artefacts
Courses, minimum age 11 (see our courses page!)
Private events, both at our forge and at your venue
School visits and workshops
Tool sharpening, keening and repairs
Our Approach
Every project is approached with care, craftsmanship, and respect for both material and history. Whether it’s a listed building, a bespoke commission, or a contemporary piece, Alex believes that good blacksmithing begins with understanding the purpose and story behind the work.
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Traditional forging techniques combined with modern knowledge
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Structurally sound, visually refined, and built to last
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Conservation-focused: minimal intervention, appropriate materials, reversible methods
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Member of the National Heritage Ironwork Group, specialising in historic ironwork
Teaching & Workshops
Hammer and Hound Forge is committed to sharing traditional skills with future generations.
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Public courses held monthly for all skill levels and a variety of topics
One-off courses held throughout the year covering specialist techniques, advertised via our social media channels
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Private bookings available: choose a pre-set course or design your own project
With over 250 five-star reviews across CraftCourses, Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, Hammer and Hound Forge is widely recognised for high-quality blacksmithing courses, skilled craftsmanship, and a welcoming learning environment.
Get in Touch
Interested in a commission, course, or workshop? Contact Alex today through our contact page to discuss your project. All enquiries are welcome.