Founded on Experience.
Driven by Craftsmanship.
“The studio was founded out of a shared frustration—between myself and co-founder Chris Topp—at the lack of detail we often encountered in tender documents while working as craft practitioners. Too often, crucial decisions about design quality and craftsmanship were left to contractors, simply because specifications weren’t clear or robust enough from the outset.
Once issued, design and specification documents define the standard for a project—and changing them later is rarely practical. There’s usually little appetite to revisit decisions, and no formal mechanism to assess tenders on the basis of craftsmanship rather than cost.|
From that challenge came the idea for The Ironwork Studio: to offer independent, specialist ironwork expertise early in the planning process—embedding quality, clarity, and craftsmanship from the very beginning.”
— Bethan Griffiths
Our Role in Your Project
Since 2010, The Ironwork Studio has provided independent consultancy services in the creative design and sensitive conservation of decorative architectural metalwork.
Our role focuses on the planning stages—bringing together creative design, historical knowledge, conservation insight, and practical technical understanding to inform well-considered documentation that feeds directly into the tender process.
Our involvement helps clients make confident, informed decisions and ensures contractors receive buildable, high-quality designs—setting projects up for success with clarity and craftsmanship embedded from the outset.
Craftsmanship as Standard, Not Luxury
Our aim is simple: to help clients achieve excellence in decorative architectural metalwork—whether through new design or sensitive restoration.
Why Blacksmithing Still Matters
“Blacksmithing isn’t just a skill. It’s a way of thinking—and it leads to better solutions.”
— Bethan Griffiths
Our technical expertise comes from hands-on workshop experience, spanning traditional ironwork and modern fabrication. But blacksmithing remains at the core of our skillset. It may seem counterintuitive today, yet this ancient craft still offers unique value—not just in conservation, but across all our work.
Blacksmiths think differently. They’re not confined by standard parts or equipment. The forge offers freedom—tools and techniques that enable flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving.
This mindset shapes our approach. Blacksmithing enhances our methods—opening up nuanced possibilities and resulting in thoughtful, refined craftsmanship.
Bethan’s Journey:
From First Hammer Blows to Jewellery for Buildings
“I discovered my passion for metalwork—particularly blacksmith-made ironwork—while studying for a BA (Hons) in Three Dimensional Design. I created contemporary pieces in wood, metal, ceramics and glass.
My first blacksmithing venture was a pair of pewter spoons with burnished mild steel handles. From there, the work grew in scale until I was creating architectural ironwork. To me, ‘it’s jewellery for buildings’.
Though I began my career as a blacksmith in the workshop, my aptitude for communication, collaboration and planning naturally led me into consultancy. I enjoy fine-tuning the details—I’m a stickler for quality and craftsmanship.”
— Bethan Griffiths
Shaping fresh ideas:
Teaching, Speaking & Evolving the Craft
Bethan regularly teaches and speaks on architectural ironwork and remains committed to evolving her craft. Keen to share her passion, she engages in public talks, teaching, and professional events—believing that sharing knowledge helps foster greater appreciation, awareness, and understanding of this specialist field. She also takes part in exhibitions, conferences, and networks to stay connected, current, and keep her practise evolving.
Giving Back
Supporting the Future of Heritage Ironworking:
National Heritage Ironwork Group
Founding NHIG
Bethan and Chris Topp founded the NHIG in 2009, bringing together a team of trustees to help shape its direction and purpose: championing the appropriate conservation of historic ironwork. Bethan remains an active trustee and plays a key role in developing industry guidelines and specialist training.
Right, NHIG’s first forge-in at Bath
Supporting blacksmithing:
British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA)
Counsellor for BABA
Bethan served for many years on the council of BABA, supporting its mission to promote blacksmithing as a creative profession and foster community within the craft.
Right, Bethan curated five ironwork exhibitions for BABA, including this one at Ironbridge Gorge in 2007
Contributing to Public Art:
The Pillar of Friendship
Bethan was one of 15 international team leaders selected to design and lead a masterclass for The Pillar of Friendship—a major collaborative public art project created by 300 blacksmiths from around the world.
Right, Bethan’s drawing for the element she designed and the making of which she supervised
The inspiring life of a true enthusiast
Tribute to co-founder Chris Topp, who passed away in 2024
Chris had a lifelong passion for historic iron and devoted his career to its conservation. He was a pioneer in both ironwork conservation and industrial archaeology, which inspired him to set up the last ever company to supply Puddled Wrought Iron. His legacy lives on through the preservation projects he carried out, saving many works for posterity, and the continuing work of the Companies he helped set up including (in order of founding): Dorothea Restorations Engineers, Topp & Co, The Real Wrought Iron Company, National Heritage Ironwork Group and The Ironwork Studio.
Contact Bethan Griffiths Unsure where to begin? We’re happy to offer initial guidance and answer any questions.
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