Highland Croft Furniture & Forge is a furniture making, wood turning, blacksmithing and engineering workshop set in the picturesque Highland countryside on the Black Isle. Highland Croft Furniture & Forge is run by Richard Comfort, a time served blacksmith and well experienced wood worker.
BACKGROUND
I, Richard, originally started off doing blacksmith work as a young 15 year old at a local smiddy, then went on to college to study Agricultural Engineering. Through my time working for companies both locally and in New Zealand as an agricultural engineer, I also dabbled in metal work as a hobby, then progressed on to wood working as I got older. I now have my own large workshop full of metal working & wood working machinery and tools, where I spend a lot of my time producing quirky and unique bespoke items.
WHAT WE DO
I design and create high quality metalwork and woodwork using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. I mill the wood myself as well as drying it in my own purpose built kiln. Most of the wood I use comes from storm damaged trees from the Black Isle and Easter Ross. As well as designing and manufacturing new items, I also like to upcycle by making items out of locally sourced, reclaimed wood such as old railway sleepers, whisky barrells and driftwood.
METAL WORK
I fabricate many different pieces of wall art as well as farm signs, house signs, gates, railings, benches and metal structures such as weathervanes. As a skilled black smith, I can turn my hand to most things, so if there is anything specific you would like commissioned, we could discuss this and talk through designs. For many of my metal items, I generally use a thicker steel so it’s more durable and built to last. Final products can be galvanised if required so that they will never rust. I am happy to create any design from landscapes to wild animals, or from vehicles to company logos. Lettering and wording can be cut into the metal or the signs can be painted black and then lettering painted on to it (in white for instance to make it stand out).
THE PROCESS
Buying a handcrafted item is an experience in its own, and not like shopping at a superstore that sells mass produced items. The process can be timely: time to understand what you want and to discuss ideas, and the time it takes in the workshop to make your item and then provide it to you. Good craftsmanship takes time, but I can assure you that everything I make is of a high quality and built to last. I will of course try my best to adhere to any deadlines by doing everything I can to deliver on time.