Rubén Herrero García belongs to the third generation of blacksmiths in his family. A large part of his work involves works of intervention in heritage and therefore he has a broad experience in the restoration and elaboration of replicas of traditional elements. However, he is… also experienced in the manufacture of new pieces.
He carries out grilles, handrails, nails, locksmithing elements such as keys, hinges, door handles, locks…He also manufactures tools and whatever sort of artistic forging piece he is commissioned including lamps, bed headrests, doors, etc.
All his work is completely artisanal, from the first steps of the process to the last, and always using the traditional techniques of the craft. These works range from the preparation of the bars and the manufacture of the punched “females” for the unions, to the different finishes and aging techniques, as well as the protection of the pieces from oxide using wax with linseed oil . This wax is manufactured by him as well.
The tools he uses are those which have always been used in blacksmithing (forge, pincers, anvil, hammer, etc.). He has incorporated some more recent tools such as the pneumatic forging hammer, which makes the work easier to complete without altering the quality of the final result.
He has an amazing collection of all types of old forged elements which he and his predecessors have been gathering together and which serves him as a source of inspiration to make replicas and also as a sort of live catalogue for his clients.
Rubén has a real passion for the craft and his work. He aims to preserve the family tradition.
He learnt the craft from his father, who, at the same time, learnt it from his grandfather. He also attended basic professional training courses.
He was an instructor at the School/Workshop in Cuéllar (Segovia), within the branch of forging and restoration.
Restorations at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos (Burgos), the Palace of Anglona (Madrid), the Convent of Santa María de la Vid (Burgos), the Convent of San Pelayo (Palencia), the Palace of Albuquerque in Cuéllar (Segovia). He was awarded the Arscal Prize of Castilla… y León in the year 2002.