On the importance of passing on
- Ramón started forging as a young apprentice and later became a trained blacksmith
- He combines traditional forging techniques with more artistic designs in his work
- The blacksmithing school he runs shows his commitment to keeping Toledan metalwork alive
Ramón Recuero Ibáñez was only 12 when he started learning traditional forging techniques with his master at the School of Arts in Ciudad Real. Following further studies in Toledo and inspired by the city’s metal work heritage, Ramón opened his own workshop when he was 27 years old. “It gave me the freedom to apply traditional techniques to more artistic designs,” he explains fondly. Alongside making pieces for his clients, he investigates and documents forging techniques. He also runs a blacksmithing school and regularly welcomes apprentices, many of whom now work independently. In 2023, Ramón was selected with his apprentice to be part of the Homo Faber Fellowship which supports the transmission of skills enabling the apprentice to learn techniques but also evolve towards new models and designs within the craft.
INTERVIEW
My master Efraín Redondo took me in as a young apprentice. Since his children and grandchildren did not want to continue with the craft, and seeing the interest I showed in his work, he decided to pass on his knowledge to me. He taught me the importance of transmission.
I wanted to train and pass on the craft of forging and other metalwork. I organise short weekend courses, weekly courses and 4-week courses in collaboration with several other masters. I have also created tutorials for YouTube and set up a coworking space where students can start their professional career guided by a master.
I would encourage them to focus on their craftsmanship, on the production of exclusive and quality pieces, as artisans cannot currently maintain their workshops by trying to compete on price with industrially manufactured products. They need to keep their creative edge.
Although traditional forging is currently experiencing an increase in public interest, with more and more people taking up forging as a hobby, the craft is still in real danger due to the lack of generational replacement in the few artisan workshops that still exist. This is why I keep running my school and participating in programmes such as the Homo Faber Fellowship.
