Welcome
Joseph Butler is a blacksmith and a poet. In 2004 Carcanet Press published 8 of his poems in their Oxford Poets Anthology (ed. David Constantine and Bernard O’Donoghue). Hearthstone (Two Rivers Press) is Joe’s first full collection of poetry. It was launched at the Oxford Literary Festival on 28th March 2006.
The collection charts a redemptive journey from the violence of childhood to the fire and passion of the blacksmith’s forge.
Joe has taught both art-metalworking and creative writing in schools, colleges, youth groups and prisons. He currently works as a blacksmithing trainer/support worker at Bridewell Organic Gardens, an independent mental health charity in rural West Oxfordshire.