It’s a man’s world for fabricator Kate Gooderham, who is busy creating artistic and feminine ironwork for the RHS Show at Tatton Park in three weeks time.
Kate, who learnt her trade from her godfather, blacksmith Colin Lace, has created a handbag-styled gate, musical notes and a table in the shape of a baby grand piano for a garden to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chester choir, A Handbag of Harmonies.
Kate, 31, says: “There are hardly any women working in this business but my godfather showed me the ropes and I love it.”
Kate set up Wrought in the Port nearly nine years ago in a small unit on Westminster Industrial Estate in Ellesmere Port. Now she is in one of the largest units and, with co-owner Matt Owen, is creating garden gates, railings, balconies, garden accessories, planters and trellis.
She was approached by choir member, Dori Miller, earlier this year and asked if she would take on the commission.
“It just sounded really good fun. It’s so unusual,” said Kate. “I don’t know anyone who’s made a handbag-shaped gate before!”
Kate did a rough sketch of the gate on the floor, measured and cut the steel to length and then used rollers to create the curve of the bag and the strap, before welding it all together. It was then powder-coated by neighbouring Ellesmere Port company Cheshire Powder Coating ready for the show which opens to the public on July 22.
“Dori is so enthusiastic and the whole idea of having a garden to celebrate the choir’s anniversary is lovely. Her proposition was so unusual. I’ve enjoyed doing it and can’t wait to have everyone look at my work at the show.
“If it leads to further commissions I’d be delighted but I am just happy to have it there,” she said.
Kate’s piano will have a toughened glass top, provided by Sutton Glass in Little Sutton, which will be painted with a commemorative design by Chester artist Alison Pitt, who also sings with the choir.
