Andy Hopper who is based on the Parley Court Estate has been made a Fellow for life of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths one of just 60.
An artist based on Dorset’s Parley Court estate has been made a Fellow for life of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths – one of just 60.
Andy Hopper’s recognition came as he completed his sculpture ‘Interstellar’ – a 7.5ft high stainless steel column that looks as it has visited from outer space.
Parley Court estate – better known as the home of the popular golf and equestrian centres – had ideal premises for Andy who recently moved in.
Now his furnace and other heavy and heavy-duty equipment has been installed he is taking commissions and loaning pieces to galleries.
The master blacksmith has been forging for 20 years but has had an ‘obsession’ with ‘shiny metal’ since he was four.
The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths – motto: By hammer and hand all arts do stand – can trace its history back to 1299 and Andy said being made a Fellow was a huge honour.
He added: “Parley has been a brilliant place to move to, the workshop is ideal and they are excellent landlords.
“Shortly after I moved in my work was assessed by the worshipful company and I have now learned I’ve been made a Fellow, which is very rare and I was obviously delighted.
“I’ve had an interest in metal ever since I was four years old. I remember on the way to school passing an industrial ball-bearing trade counter and being fascinated.
“The first toy I took into school was a large and heavy ball-bearing.
“Originally I wanted to be a fine artist and then a farrier but I sort of fell into forging; my grandfather used to be a blacksmith.
“Interstellar is about space and physics and it took me three months to make and it involved lots of mirror polishing, but it shows what is possible.
“My drive and focus for my work is a fascination with metal, mathematics and physics.
“It’s this combination and understanding that allows to me to exercise absolute control over hot metal and create my art.
“As well as the sculptures I do architectural iron work and make pieces for garden and interior designers.”
Andy Hopper who is based on the Parley Court Estate has been made a Fellow for life of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths one of just 60.
Notes to editors:
Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.
It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!
Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.
Currently the site is being transformed into a centre of excellence (which does not affect the course). When completed it will be twice its current size.
The nine-hole course is being rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.
There will be a huge short-game practice area, bunker practice facility as well as a state-of-the-art indoor coaching centre.
Also being built are several ‘academy’ holes from 50 – 100 yards. The café-bar remains a popular venue for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.
Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, Andrew Pakes and Peter Thompson.
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
Notes to journalists
Parley Equestrian Centre was launched in 2009 and has an excellent reputation amongst dressage riders and show jumpers. The centre is run by equestrian expert Jane Wyatt who has led two horses to victory in the national Horse of the Year competition.
The centre is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour, which is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Golf Centre.
Facilities include a competition-level floodlit 60m by 40m Turfloat all-weather arena with mirrors and an irrigation system, British Showjumping jumps and a commentators’ box. There’s also a 20 metre lunge pen and 72 stables with full or partial livery service available.
The centre is regularly used for both British Showjumping and unaffiliated showjumping competitions.
A second outdoor school acts as a warm up arena ahead of competitions.
There’s also a floodlit lorry park.
