PATRICK HENDREN || RUSTY BELL FORGE

Patrick is a resident blacksmith forging in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Inspired by Rappahannock’s own, Not Putmam, of White Oak Forge, a renowned artist- blacksmith, and sculptor of three gates at the Washington National Cathedral. In 2008 Patrick and his son, Jacob attended a blacksmithing course at the Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, Virginia. Jessie Ward, taught foundational techniques and how to build and maintain a proper coal fire. Inspired by the experience, Patrick gathered materials to build their own forge and by July 2009, they lit their coal forge for the first time and named their setup Rusty Bell Forge. Over time Patricks passion has grown into a family tradition, experimenting with everything from blades and hooks, to dinner bells, but discovered a true passion for hand-forged jewelry and small art pieces. Much of Patricks current work focuses on pendants, rings, torcs, and decorative items each one shaped by fire, hammer, and imagination.