Visitors

Blacksmith

Every weekend, Mr Gordon Blackwell demonstrates hand forged traditional blacksmithing to the public at Nurragingy Reserve.


A smithy since 1947, Gordon has been with Blacktown City Council since 1993 and has appeared at the Blacktown City Festival, Blacktown Show and many other community events.

Gordon Blackwell

Before coming to Blacktown City, he worked at Hawkesbury Agricultural College for 9 years, displaying and teaching the art of Blacksmithing. Gordon's concern over the loss of this art has seen him train younger men in the skills of this trade and today one of his apprentices, David Lockey, works alongside him on the weekends and together they spend their time turning iron and steel into beautifully crafted works of art.

Among Gordon Blackwell's many claims to fame is that he has accompanied the Canberra City Band (who went on to win Australia's best band competition) on his anvil.

Highlights of his work include:

  • forge welding
  • hand made chain links
  • boiling water in a paper bag on the forge.

At the forge

The Nurragingy Blacksmiths are at their forge most weekends (approx. 8.30am-3.30pm).


Blacksmith Hut