At Boots and Blisters, traditional craft meets contemporary engineering. We are modern blacksmiths offering authentic heritage forging techniques alongside specialist welding and fabrication.
Whether you are an industrial client needing a heavy-duty repair or a homeowner looking for a gate with real character, we build for quality and durability. From working with corrosion resistant pure iron, to powder-coated or galvanised options, we choose our materials to ensure they last.
The Team
'Happy' – Lead Blacksmith & Welder: With a lovingly built-up protective skin layer of dirt and grease, Happy is the heart of the forge. He’s equally at home fabricating complex site maintenance projects as he is teaching a newcomer how to properly swing a hammer without hitting their thumb.
Joanna – The Engine Room: Joanna keeps the fire burning behind the scenes. She handles the office, the admin, and the logistics, but she’s also not afraid to get stuck in with the heavy labour when a project demands an extra pair of hands.
God – Site Supervisor: Our resident Whippet Lurcher with ears far too big for her head. She’s grown up in the workshop and specialises in floor-sweeping (with her tail) and professional morale boosting.
Who We Are
WHERE we are
We are proudly situated in the town of Cradley Heath, in the centre of the historic 'Black Country' in the West Midlands; a place that lies at the heart of the transformative Industrial Revolution, where innovation and hard work shaped the landscape and the future of industry.
The name 'Black Country' is thought to derive either from the rich deposits of black coal seams found in the area or from the heavy air pollution that was produced by the numerous foundries and factories that once thrived here.
Famously, it was in this region that the massive anchor for the Titanic was made, showcasing the incredible industrial prowess of the time. During the 19th century, Cradley Heath became a bustling centre for nail and chain making, where women accounted for two thirds of the chain makers. In 1910, in a display of solidarity and determination, around 1000 local women engaged in a ten-week-long strike, successfully campaigning for the implementation of a minimum rate of pay.
We warmly welcome visitors to our Cradley Heath workshop and the original chain making shop located at nearby Mushroom Green. If you are interested in learning more about our incredible work or the rich industrial heritage of this fascinating area, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
MUSHROOM GREEN CHAINSHOP
We volunteer at Mushroom Green Chainshop, which is thought to be the world's oldest, last surviving chain-making shop still on its original site.
From the eighteenth century chain making was a major industry in the Black Country, particularly in the villages of Netherton, Old Hill and Cradley Heath.
The 19th century chainshop is open to the public for demonstrations of fire welded chain making. Watch us demonstrating chain making the traditional way; with hammer, tongs and fire.
Open on the second Sunday of the month from April to October 2:30 – 5pm. Admission is free.
Quarry Road, Cradley Heath, DY2 0EE
It is on Quarry Road next to Griff Chains and opposite the Bradney Chain Factory. Park in the small car park, walk down the road and you’ll find it, six chimney’s pointing skywards.
