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Blacksmith Al Stephens
worked for almost 20 years in high-production industry in St. Louis, MO.
Al was introduced to the art of blacksmithing while on a visit to a
historic site in Illinois. He became a volunteer at the park's 19th
century blacksmith shop equipped with bellows, coal forge, anvil, and
vise. Over the next several years many patient smiths helped and
encouraged Al to develop his skills. The Stephens' moved to Pennsylvania
so Al could pursue full-time employment as a blacksmith forging colonial
hardware reproductions and custom projects. In 2000 Al and his wife
Sylvia started Pequea Valley Forge. We have recently relocated to
a new home and shop in rural northern Alabama where Al is happily
hammering away.
Al's background of working in
different environments -- in the trades, in a historic setting with
minimal tools, and in a modern shop --- have allowed him to be
successful in crafting contemporary hand-forged items that sell well in
gallery settings. Pequea Valley Forge is dedicated to high quality work
with attention to craftsmanship, form and function. |
