Bob Oakes
BORN:
Bob was born and raised in Ilkeston.
EARLY LIFE:
Growing up in Derbyshire, Bob developed an early appreciation for traditional crafts and practical skills. His surroundings and exposure to hands-on work helped shape his later interest in metalwork and blacksmithing.
EDUCATION:
He studied in Cheltenham before beginning a teaching career in Nottingham. Bob taught at Elle Guilford School for three years, gaining valuable experience before changing direction professionally.
CAREER:
A turning point in Bob’s career came in 1980 when he attended an international conference for blacksmiths at Hereford College. There, he realised that the traditional village blacksmith role had largely disappeared, replaced by modern fabricators and farriers using portable forges.
Inspired to revive traditional craftsmanship, Bob chose to specialise in architectural blacksmithing. In 1982, he began working as an apprentice to Frank Bottomly, where he refined his skills. A few years later, he moved to Hackthorn to establish his own forge.
In 2001, Bob relocated to a larger forge, allowing him not only to expand his work but also to teach others. He now runs courses, helping to pass on blacksmithing skills to a new generation.
MATERIALS:
Bob primarily works with forged metal, using traditional blacksmithing techniques to shape iron and steel into both functional and decorative pieces.
STYLE AND SUBJECTS:
His work focuses on architectural blacksmithing, creating items such as gates, railings, and decorative ironwork. His style blends traditional craftsmanship with practical design.
AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS:
While specific awards are not noted, Bob is recognised for his contribution to preserving and teaching traditional blacksmithing skills.
Bob Oakes art for sale from The Sculpture Park is detailed below:
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Bob Oakes £720 inc VATLifesize Steel Natural Sculpture – Bullrush by Bob Oakes (Unique)
Bullrush by Bob Oakes, Steel
Unique forged steel sculpture of bullrushes.
88cm high, 43cm wide, 28cm deep
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Bob Oakes £3,000 inc VATLarge Iron Abstract Furniture Sculpture – Sculptural Seat by Bob Oakes (Unique)
Sculptural Seat by Bob Oakes, Reclaimed & Reworked Iron
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Abstract £2,100 inc VATLarge Steel Figurative Insect Sculpture – Butterflies by Bob Oakes (Unique)
Butterflies by Bob Oakes, Forged Steel