By Ashley Burr

Craftsman Hopes To Bring Age-Old Art Back To PG

Jun 13, 2018 | 9:11 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The art of blacksmithing is an increasingly tough trade to pass on. A few local blacksmiths are hoping to bring back the heat by forming a new club here in Prince George.

“We want to continue on with our trade, and the only way to do this is to teach people,” says Barry Schaefer, blacksmith.  

Schaefer, nicknamed ‘Blacksmith Barry’, has been a blacksmith for over 25 years. He now wants to shape the next generation of iron and steel artists.

The craftsman’s first step is to form a guild. Through the club, he hopes to sharpen novices’ skills. Blacksmith Barry is teaming up with Studio 2880, which has plans to move to a new building in the next year or so. He hopes the studio will have space for him and his fellow blacksmiths to work, and it sounds like he may be in luck. 

“I think with the new facility coming in the future, those type of old world art forms are certainly being highlighted as something the community really wants to see in the new building. So along with metal work, blacksmith, glass work and woodworking, it’s something we really are encouraged to bring forward to the community,” says Lisa Redpath, Studio 2880.

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Blacksmith Barry worries the trade is in danger of fizzling out. He says he’s determined to ignite a spark of interest in his community.