Father-Daughter Blacksmith Duo Wins Prestigious Medals

Two generations of the Cole family have achieved a historic milestone in the blacksmithing world, becoming the first father and daughter to receive prestigious medals from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

Melissa Cole, a contemporary ironwork designer from Wiltshire, will be presented with a silver medal later this year. This recognition follows her father, Hector Cole's, achievement of a gold medal in 2024. His gold medal is one of only seven awarded in the guild's 700-year history.

Melissa has been honing her craft for 30 years at her forge in Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire. Her notable commissions include a bird bath designed for Hampton Court Palace at the request of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She also dedicates time to teaching ironwork to young individuals.

Hector Cole, himself an MBE recipient in 2015 for his contributions to heritage crafts, expressed his delight at his daughter's accolade. He recalled introducing Melissa and her sisters to blacksmithing at a young age, fostering a shared family legacy in the craft.