Based in Cromane, Co. Kerry, blacksmith and maker Ben Cronin works from his forge at Caragh Lake Ironworks, creating hand-forged pieces inspired by the landscape, history and traditions of Kerry.
From functional ironwork and fireside pieces to smaller objects with stories of their own, Ben’s work brings an old craft into modern life while keeping a strong connection to the people and places that came before us.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
A typical day in my forge starts with getting the fire going and deciding what needs to be made that day. Some days I’m working on a larger piece of ironwork, other days I might be forging nails, hooks or one of my heritage pieces. There’s a lot of heat, noise and hard physical work, but also plenty of quiet concentration.
I never quite know where a day in the forge will take me. I might start with one idea and end up experimenting with something completely different. I enjoy that part of blacksmithing — working with the metal, seeing how it responds to the hammer and gradually turning a piece of hot iron into something useful or meaningful. For me, there’s something very satisfying about finishing a piece and knowing it was made by hand, here in Caragh Lake.
What do you like most about your work?
What I like most about my work is that I get to make things with my own hands. There’s something very satisfying about taking a piece of ordinary iron, heating it in the fire and slowly giving it shape with a hammer. Every piece is made by me, so there’s a real connection between the maker and the finished object.
I also love the freedom of being a blacksmith. I can have an idea in my head in the morning and spend the day in the forge trying to bring it to life. Being able to combine traditional blacksmithing with my own ideas, while drawing inspiration from the landscape, history and people of Kerry, is what makes the work so rewarding for me.
What do you like least about your work?
What I like least about my work is the physical strain it can put on my body. Blacksmithing involves long hours standing, lifting heavy materials and repeatedly hammering hot iron, which can leave me tired and sore by the end of the day. The work also requires a great deal of patience, especially when a piece does not turn out as planned and I have to start again.
There is also the uncertainty that comes with working for myself. Balancing the creative side of blacksmithing with ordering materials, managing finances and finding customers can be challenging. Although I enjoy making things, the business responsibilities and unpredictable workload are the parts I find most difficult.
What’s your favourite craft item in your home?
I’m drawn to craft items that are practical and made to be used every day. I like things that have a purpose and become part of everyday life, rather than simply being decorative. For me, there’s something special about using a handmade item every day and knowing that someone has taken the time to make it properly, by hand.
Tell us about the first craft item you made
The first craft item I made was a simple handmade tealight holder. It was one of the pieces that really got me started, and I still make and sell tealight holders at markets today. It’s nice to think that something I made at the beginning of my journey is still part of my range and continues to find its way into people’s homes.
Spend time developing your practical skills, understand the materials you’re working with and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes often turn into other creations. It’s also important to find your own style while respecting traditional methods. Be inspired by the world around you, listen to people’s ideas and always take pride in creating something that is useful, well made and meaningful.
Ben Cronin
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspirations come from the world around me, the materials I work with and the ideas shared by other people. I’m also inspired by traditional methods, Irish history, the natural qualities of different materials and the challenge of creating something useful, well made and meaningful.
What’s the most challenging part of your craft?
The most challenging part of my craft is balancing creativity, sustainability and functionality. I’m inspired by the world around me, the materials I work with and the ideas shared by other people. Traditional methods, Irish history and the natural qualities of different materials all influence my work, but the real challenge lies in transforming these inspirations into something useful, well made and meaningful. I also strive to recycle materials wherever possible, reduce waste and create durable pieces that are made to last.
Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?
I have loads of pieces that go wrong that i cast to one side, but most of these become something else down the line when i think of new ideas. I have very little waste using this process.
What made you choose your discipline?
I had always been a fabricator welder. After moving back to Ireland after working in London for 18 years I decided I wanted to stay with working with metal but didnt want to do the same as everyone else, I had noticed that blacksmithing had become a trend in USA and was up and coming in the UK, so i wanted to be ahead of the game if it started to trend in Ireland. Im glad I did this as I can see an upsurge now happening here.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member?
Anyone who is serious about their future as a maker and whos not afraid to take the plunge into becoming the go-to person for their craft or ideas should jump on board. The DCCI is a community where we all have eachothers backs in a world that doesn’t.
Favourite book?
Any creative makers books
