Not many people would know there’s a small group of artisans in Canterbury who preserve a timeless craft that was once the backbone of civilisation. These blacksmiths practise their trade with skill and passion, forging a connection between the past and the present.
These modern-day artisans know that blacksmithing was once an indispensable profession, dating back as far as 1500 BC. They respect the legacy left by their fore-fathers while infusing individual creativity into their craft. In small, hidden workshops around Aotearoa you can find their glowing furnaces and the rhythmic sound of hammer on anvil.
Les Schenkel is one such master. Now in his seventies, the retired blacksmith has set up shop at the head of
