The Shetland Anchorsmiths DVD

In the summer of 2005, five blacksmiths gathered in a remote corner of the Shetland Islands.

Their task? To make a full-size maritime anchor, from scratch, using traditional hand-forging techniques, along with the kind of simple machinery that would have been available in the mid-19th century.

Over just four days, David Goldthorpe, Ian Baxter, Michael Gjaerde and Mark Constable, working under forgemaster and smithy owner Bruce Wilcock, produced the anchor, which will now be displayed at the new Shetland Museum in Lerwick.

This film shows how it was done. It is a spectacular vision of smoke, sparks, flame, muscle power, iron glowing white and red hot, heavy machinery from another age, and highly skilled men working together in a way rarely recorded.

The haunting beauty and lovely music of the Shetland Islands provides a backdrop for this stunning achievement in iron and fire.

Produced by Tom Morton and Bruce Wilcock.

Edited by Matt Johnson.
Camera by Tom Morton, Fiona Aitken and Magnus Morton.
Music from the Shetland Arts Trust CD 'Tracks North'. Grateful thanks to Davie Gardner of Shetland Arts Trust and to Filska, Fiddler's Bid and High Strings. Also to Greentrax and Footstompin' Records. Full details of the music and how to obtain it is contained on the DVD itself.

Materials provided by Pure Iron and Bruce Wilcock Forgings.
Transport provided by the Shetland Amenity Trust.
Catering by Brenda Wilcock.
Special thanks to Landward and BBC Scotland.

To Order

The Shetland Anchorsmiths film on DVD or VHS video is available to order for £12.50 incl P&P  from pureiron.com.

£2 from the sale of each copy will be donated to the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths' Education and Training Fund.which helps to support young trainees in the craft.