Thirsty Bear Forge

27/01/2025

Today we remember the Roma and Sinti people persecuted, targeted and killed during the N**i Holocaust 🕯

This Holocaust Memorial Day marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest N**i concentration camp complex.

We remember and honour those lost to us 💔

To learn more about Holocaust Memorial Day and the Roma Genocide, you can visit the Holocaust Memorial Trust via www.hmd.org.uk

18/09/2024

Artist Jake Bowers invites you to join him at Bridgwater Fair and take part in an exciting collaborative public art project by helping to forge the mane and tail of a life-sized Gypsy Cob. By crafting a piece of steel into a lock of hair, you can contribute to the creation of this magnificent steel....

07/03/2024

‘Prissy, Queen of the South’ goes to University

Romani artist, Jake Bowers, unveils Gypsy horse sculpture at University of Sussex to inspire students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds

Romani artist, Jake Bowers, unveils Gypsy horse sculpture at University of Sussex to inspire students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds‘Prissy, Queen of the South’ - a life-size sculpture of a Gypsy cob horse by Romaniartist, blacksmith and Drive 2 Survive co-chair, Jake Bowers - is com...

03/03/2024

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/sculpture-celebrates-the-history-of-gypsies-travellers-and-romanies-on-the-south-downs/jqz95ny

Watch the latest from ITV News - The work of art has been designed and built by blacksmith Jake Bowers, who is keen to show his community in a positive light.

28/02/2024

21/02/2024

01/11/2023

Forging a path to history: Galvanized cob horse for heritage recognition in the South Downs 🐎

The Changing Chalk project is a multi-partner, multi-project initiative led by the National Trust. The project aims to restore lost habitats, bring histories to life, and provide new experiences.

As part of this project, Changing Chalk commissioned Jake Bowers, artist and blacksmith at Thirsty Bear Forge, to fabricate a life-size cob horse to recognise and celebrate the cultural heritage of “Gypsy, Roma and Traveller” communities in the South Downs.

Jake relied on Joseph Ash Medway to galvanize the horse to the best quality, preserving it for many years to come.

Prissy, as the sculpture became known, now resides on the South Downs, serving as a long-lasting reminder of the cultural heritage of these communities 🐴

When asked about choosing to galvanize the sculpture, Jake commented:

“The sculpture is so intricate only galvanizing would have reached every part that needed preserving."

"I also love the way Joseph Ash treats works of art with the care and attention to detail that a work of art requires.”

Full story: https://www.josephash.co.uk/news/forging-a-path-to-history/

03/10/2022

The first ever Blue Plaque celebrating the heritage, lives and work of Romany and Traveller people in Wardley Street will be unveiled on Saturday 22nd October

Don't miss a historic moment for Romany and Traveller communities in London!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-of-wardley-street-guided-walk-and-plaque-unveiling-tickets-374290963347

26/02/2021

Throne repairs