Timeline

Explore the timeline of blacksmithing in the province of Ontario

Select any of the eras below to learn more about the evolution of blacksmithing in Ontario from the 1860s to 2022:

1860s

Factories and mass production threatened the blacksmith. How did they adapt to survive? Select below to learn more.

The rise of industrialization

Black and white illustration of a blacksmith hammering a piece of metal inside a blacksmith's workshop. A little girl stands at the door and looks at the blacksmith.

Illustration of a blacksmith inside a forge.

Courtesy of Adobe Stock Images.

1880s

“The Arts and Crafts Movement” promoted a simpler way of living during the Industrial Revolution. It created a new demand for handcrafted iron work. Select below to learn more.

Arts and Crafts Movement

A floral wallpaper design inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Courtesy of Adobe Stock Images.

1890s

In the 1890s, blacksmiths used new equipment and techniques. Select below to learn about how they reacted to these changes.

Rapid Change at the Turn of the Century

An archival photo of two blacksmiths working inside of a blacksmith shop.

Courtesy of Archives of Ontario

1920s

Blacksmiths adapt to include auto repairs. Automobiles replaced horse drawn carriages. Select below to find out more.

Advent of Automobiles

A black and white photo of an early automobile.

Courtesy of Grey Roots Museum and Archives.

1960s

The beginnings of the end of traditional blacksmiths. The rise of blacksmithing as an art form. Select below to learn more about this transition to the trade.

Blacksmithing as an Art Form

Metal art piece created by Geordie Lishman. This piece of art spells out the word "LOVE".

Courtesy of Bill Lishman.

2022

Blacksmithing is now a contemporary art form with the help of new technologies. Select below to find out more.

Blacksmithing in the Modern World

Metal poppy flower created by Fleming College.

Courtesy of Fleming College.