Our Story

William Holland, Master Blacksmith at Phoenix Forge

William Holland FWCB

Master Blacksmith & Founder

Phoenix Forge was founded by William Holland — a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and one of Wales' most respected artist blacksmiths. With over 20 years at the anvil, craftsmanship runs deep.

Alongside commissioned work, William creates distinctive sculptural pieces, hand-forges the finest Damascus knives, and produces educational blacksmithing content. His portfolio spans everything from sweeping architectural gates to intricate artworks, with installations across the UK and overseas — from sculptures at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, restorations for the National Trust, to installations at art galleries and public garden exhibitions.

For William, the forge is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about making.

"There is something profound about taking a lump of raw steel and turning it into something beautiful with nothing but fire, hammer and skill. We want everyone who visits the forge to experience that feeling."

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What Drives Us

Our Values

Craft First

Every piece we make and every class we run is guided by a deep respect for traditional blacksmithing techniques passed down through generations.

Welsh Provenance

We are proud to be rooted in the Welsh countryside. Our location, our materials and our identity are all part of what makes Phoenix Forge unique.

Passing It On

Teaching is not an afterthought — it is at the heart of everything we do. We want the ancient craft of blacksmithing to thrive for generations to come.

The People Behind the Work

The Team

Phoenix Forge is not a one-man operation. William leads a team of skilled craftsmen, each with deep knowledge of their discipline — from architectural ironwork and fabrication through to finishing, installation and restoration. Every commission is a collaborative effort, built to the same exacting standard that William demands of his own work.

The same ethos runs through everything the team does. Each craftsman has been trained in traditional techniques, and many have gone on to teach those skills themselves. The forge floor is as much a place of learning as it is of making — whether that is through our public classes, private tuition or day-to-day project work.

Every project that leaves the forge has been touched by multiple pairs of skilled hands — each one committed to getting it right.

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