About Mark Aspery
A favorite instructor at the Hammer-In, Mark Aspery owns and operates the 'Mark Aspery School of Blacksmithing', traveling the USA teaching classes and giving blacksmith demonstrations. His training as a smith started in the United Kingdom in 1976, working for a small fabrication and engineering firm that boasted a blacksmith shop. He has worked for a number of smiths as well as teaching in trade schools over the years.
Mark is a certified journeyman smith with the
Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, (a UK guild started in London in 1324) and
currently an Associate of the company (AWCB). Mark is also a certified farrier with the American Farriers
Association (AFA).
About Lucian Avery
Lucian started blacksmithing to make tools for gardening and woodworking but was soon captivated by the
blacksmithing itself. He is primarily self-taught. While he gleaned bits and
pieces of the craft from many sources, old-time local smiths, other
contemporary smiths, books, and a few classes, most of his learning has been through
hands-on work and experimentation in his own studio.
He started forging full time in 1993, focusing on
custom designed, commissioned pieces. Over the years he has grown to enjoy
making door hardware more and more, and that is his primary focus now. Lucian
also teaches classes in blacksmithing and demonstrates the craft regularly.