Blacksmiths behind several Oxford pieces in 700-year first

Melissa Cole and her dad Hector Cole MBE are to be the first father and daughter to be honoured with a medal from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in its seven-century history.

The duo have a combined 100 years experience between them and Ms Cole has contributed to several Oxford pieces.

This includes two decorative screening panels based on brain neurons at Cherwell College student accommodation.

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In addition, she created the ‘Driftway Imprint’ bronze and steel sculpture at The Slade and the Paradise Street sign in the city.

She also made a River Route wall mounted installation representing the River Cherwell, which is 24 metres long and wrapped around the exterior of the gatehouse building on Chapel Street.

She will be receiving a silver medal from the company with Mr Hector having been awarded a gold medal back in 2024 – one of only seven in its 700-year history.

Melissa Cole and her dad Hector Cole have become the first ever father and daughter to both be honoured with prestigious blacksmith medals (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

Melissa, from Wiltshire, called it “a true honour”.

She said: “I was so delighted and surprised! To be assessed by people I respect within the craft is wonderful.

“I am chuffed for my dad too as he trained me in my traditional techniques and still goes up to his workshop everyday.

“It is really lovely to share this with him.”

Melissa Cole and her dad Hector Cole have become the first ever father and daughter to both be honoured with prestigious blacksmith medals (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the traditional craft of blacksmithing.

The City of London Livery company has a history which dates back to 1299 and was granted a Royal Charter in 1571.

Ms Cole, who has been designing and crafting contemporary ironwork for 30 years in her forge at Pewsey Vale in Wiltshire, said there are many different requirements for different medals awarded by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

Paradise Street sign in Oxford by Melissa Cole (Image: Courtesy of Melissa Cole / SWNS)

She said: “There is a lot you have to achieve, from designing different types of projects, insuring there is access for the public to enjoy your work and then what you give back to the craft.”

Melissa said one of her proudest pieces to date was when she was commissioned by the WCB to make a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee.

She decided to design and create a stunning bird bath which is now sat in the Volerie garden in Hampton Court Palace.

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Her dad, who started blacksmithing at the age of seven, has a prestigious and worldwide reputation for the forging of high quality historic arrowheads and swords.

Ms Cole described her father as a “legend” in the field.

The contemporary art blacksmith and metal sculptor said: “I am truly grateful for my dad and for all the people that have commissioned me.

“I wouldn’t have been able to receive this award if people had not put their trust in me to make their commissions and buy my sculptures.

“The crafts wouldn’t survive without those people!”