Peat Oberon

Peat Oberon trained as a craft teacher, after an apprenticeship as an engineering draughtsman. Finding that craft was being expunged from schools, he had a frustrating time teaching subjects that gave little satisfaction.

On taking up a voluntary job as a smith at Preston Hall Museum, Stockton-on-Tees, he found a fulfilling experience, making forged work to high standards. His development was enhanced by working alongside Jack Summers, who had worked for a lifetime as, first, a country smith, then in a colliery, and finally in the steel industry. All of this experience was available to be assimilated.

Widely travelled and read, gathering information all the time, Peat’s work is influenced by many sources. He has won the first prize at the Great Yorkshire Show five times, and holds the Silver medal and Fellowship of the Worshipful company of Blacksmiths.
Drawing on all of this experience, he is now keen to pass it on by presenting courses, in addition to producing smaller, more detailed work, which the public can observe as he works in the museum.