A POPULAR museum is looking for a blacksmith to keep the old traditions alive.

Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, has a vacancy at its Home Farm forge - one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.

Since the forge opened 20 years ago, millions of visitors have been able to experience a blacksmith in action.

The retiring Beamish blacksmith, George Kirkup, 75, worked for the Consett Iron Company and later at Eden Colliery, as did his father before him. Mr Kirkup came to Beamish 20 years ago to bring the collection of tools to life.

A popular fixture in his own right, George has cornered the market in the production of more than 900 boolers a year.

These iron hoops were used by children playing in the school yard and streets and are now used regularly by visitors to the Beamish Board School. He has also proved invaluable in his production of goods for the museum, such as hand-forged brackets and iron work to enhance displays.

Any blacksmith interested in carrying on this tradition can contact the head of historic operations at Beamish, Jane Gibson, on 0191-370 4010 or 0191-370 4000.

Published: 21/06/2004