Two Bronze Medals and recognition as Master Blacksmiths

North Yorkshire based architectural metalworkers Topp & Co. are proud to announce that two of their blacksmiths, Baptiste Deleau (left) and Arek Kropidlowski (right), have been awarded Bronze Medals from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

They are both now officially recognised as Master Blacksmiths.

This is an honour awarded only to blacksmiths who attain a very high level of skill and professionalism in the craft and the work of these smiths is judged by other Master Blacksmiths.

Managing Director Chris Topp said: "Both Baptiste and Arek have been with Topp & Co. for over 10 years and we hope that they have many years in front of them as members of our skilled team, where they can share their skills and work towards attaining the silver and gold medals. To put this in perspective there are only 6 Gold medal winners 4 of whom are sadly deceased."

They were presented with their Bronze Medal award at a ceremony in the Painter’s Hall, London on 16th October 2014.

"On top of receiving this prestigious award Baptiste has also just been recognised as a Compagnon by the French guild 'Les Compagnons Du Devoir' after completing his masterpiece in our Yorkshire workshops. Again this is an honour that is hard earned and a measure of the skill of the craftsman that Baptiste has attained over his career", continued Chris Topp.

"He joins Jerome Peycher one of our directors as recognised Compagnons working for Topp & Co. In support of this guild we invite apprentice Compagnons to work with us on an annual basis as part of their specialist training.

"To date we have seen at least 16 Compagnons work with us and share their skills the first of which was over 16 years ago. Topp & Co. have always supported the development of skills which will ensure the blacksmiths craft is in good hands for future generations."

For more from Topp & Co. visit their website www.toppandco.com

Pictures supplied by www.michaelosullivan.co.uk