ABOUT US

Diagram of a top-down view of a racetrack with a black background. The track has a white start/finish line at the bottom and a gray pit area in the top right corner. There are two red arrow shapes pointing to the top and bottom of the image, indicating possible directions or points of interest.

We are a community interest company producing some of the most progressive forgework projects in the UK.

The forge in Granton is a state-of-the art facility designed to enable basic - advanced levels of contemporary blacksmithing as well as a space to find inspiration from the library, masterclasses, forge-ins and much more. We support professional practices, hobbyists, students and people just looking for a one off experience. The sole function of our tooling and equipment is to be used for the craft of blacksmithing. Contrary to popular belief we don't make weapons, horse shoes or pour molten metal, work like that is carried out by bladesmiths, farriers and foundries, effectively they are completely different trades. Work of Iron is focused on blacksmithing practice for the modern day, creating a wide range of objects such as gates, tools and furniture to sculpture, film props and costume.

Our aim is simple, sharing knowledge and providing a space for people to do blacksmithing. The outcome of this aim has multiple levels of positive impacts. From individuals benefiting physically, mentally and emotionally to social and personal development. On another level we preserve and promote Scotland's cultural heritage and then on another level again we stand for innovation and the importance of craftsmanship in today's world. At the beginning of 2025 we crowdfunded our start-up costs and created the ‘Access fund’ which can now be used to subsidize courses which in turn removes any financial barriers people may have to participate in the courses at Work of Iron. We are committed to acting fair and honest in all of our business practices and to create a safe and welcoming environment for people to come along and experience blacksmithing.

A man standing in a blacksmith's workshop, smiling, wearing a black shirt, brown apron, and yellow ear protection around his neck. Behind him, a black wall with tools hanging, a large anvil, and the sign 'WORK of IRON' with the words 'EST. 2025' and 'J. WAYGOOD - BLACKSMITH.' To his right, a workbench with tools, and to his left, a metal table with machinery.

JACK WAYGOOD AWCB MA CF

Artist & Blacksmith

CEO & Founder - Work of Iron CIC.

Born in Manchester and raised in the Dark Peaks, creativity ran in the Waygood family. At eighteen, Jack left the north to study artist blacksmithing. He found his passion and received awards from the Churchill Fellowship and The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to further his knowledge and skills.

Jack traveled extensively to learn his craft as a journeyman. He has worked on The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand, forged knives in Sakai, Japan, and made axes at Gransfors Bruks in Sweden. His dedication opened chances to work with masters in architectural ironworks, industrial forges, traditional blacksmithing, tool-makers and for many artists, sculptors and designers. Visiting the people and places that he respected the most.

He was awarded a Diploma of Merit by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and specializes in traditional techniques and contemporary design with a vast knowledge of forged iron and the history of metalwork.

Jack has led multiple demonstrations and lectures in the UK and Europe. He holds a Master's degree from Edinburgh College of Art and has taught artist blacksmithing at university level.

He recently featured on the BBC1 TV show Make it at Market and was also interviewed for the We are Makers Podcast.

With over a decade of experience and as fate would have it Jack has set up his own forge Work of Iron CIC with a desire to use blacksmithing for social impact and to produce traditionally crafted contemporary works made for today's world. He calls Scotland his home and Granton his place of work.

‘where there is a will there's a way’

  • A man with tattoos on both arms, wearing a brown leather apron, stands in a blacksmith's workshop, with a forge and tools visible behind him.

    Jack Waygood

    FOUNDER & PROJECT MANAGER

    As the workshop foreman, Jack provides inductions to the equipment and supervision where necessary. He is also happy to advise on any aspect of the making process, best practice and is our health and safety officer.

  • Woman with blue and gray hair forging a metal blade in a workshop.

    Fiona Oliver-Larkin

    ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT

    With a wealth of experience working on community arts projects, Fiona has a versatile skill set and is helping with book keeping and grant management.

  • A woman sitting in a workshop with metal wings attached to her back, wearing black gloves, a black jacket, and black pants. The workshop has various tools and equipment in the background.

    Mhairi Fraser

    BOARD MEMBER

    As an active blacksmith and passionate musician, Mhairi is dedicated to creating unique contemporary objects while attentively lending her ear to all things related to blacksmithing at Work of Iron.

THE ACCESS FUND

Established by Work of Iron CIC to support subsidised course places for participants facing financial or structural barriers. We run a ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme where financially stable clients can contribute more to cover course costs for those who can’t afford it, fostering a supportive, inclusive environment

APPLY / LEARN MORE