Smithery*

Several generations of the same blacksmithing family have operated here in my local village. Once their work consisted chiefly of making and repairing farm machinery and domestic ironware but now they specialise in weather vanes and gates and ornamental garden furniture. (Not shoeing horses, that's a farrier's job.)

The smithy is behind the blue doors and this small area between it and the house is often crowded with recent productions, as today, with the dragon gate taking pride of place. Above it is a weather vane of a secretary bird with a snake in its mouth. The smithy's own vane depicts a blacksmith and his assistant beating metal on an anvil. (LARGER is better.)

I've never had much success taking pictures of this rather photogenic place: it's a cramped location and there are a number of power lines draped around. But it was a dull day and I decided to have another go at it. I quite like the jumbled effect.

One thing bothers me. Why, in this Welsh-speaking village, are the compass points always marked in English: North, South, East, West, instead of in Welsh: Gogledd, De, Dwyrain, Gorllewin? Is it because the initial letters of the Welsh words are duplicated?

* The craft, occupation and goods of the smith.