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From campfire pokers, to belt buckles and weathervanes, the pieces coming from Shawn Taylor’s (Class of ’94) blacksmith operation, Brokkr Forge, are all one-of-a-kind. One of his latest custom pieces? - a forged iron bench, commemorating the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

After its official unveiling at the alumni Blue & Gold Awards in early November, this spectacular, functional piece now lives behind Jenkins Hall, just off the Cobequid Trail.

The bench is the result of the Faculty of Agriculture, Alumni Association’s Legacy Project.

“After the merger with Dalhousie University there was a lot of unknown and mixed emotions felt by alumni,” said Jean Lynds (Class of ’90) and chair, Alumni Association, during the unveiling ceremony. “Now, two years into the merger, we are still the same great campus. To acknowledge and honour our NSAC roots, the Alumni Association board of directors committed to the Legacy Project.”

In the beginning, the Board wasn’t sure what this would look like. But Shawn and his work proved to be the answer.

Shawn creates many iron-works and art pieces utilizing mainly traditional blacksmith equipment, tools and techniques. While running Brokkr Forge from his home in Centerville, NB for the past three years, Shawn has a long history working with metal.

“I did some fabricating and welding even before I attended NSAC.” After being persuaded by friends to attend NSAC and earn his diploma in Engineering, Shawn returned home to PEI to work for many years, running a pest control and property management business.

Years later, life brought Shawn to NB and back to metal work.

“About one-half of the work I do is custom, for clients,” says Shawn, “either artistic or tools.” The rest is displayed at galleries throughout NB.”

After being approached by the Alumni Association and receiving minimal direction on the Legacy Project, Shawn went to work.

Knowing Shawn’s connection and pride of being an NSAC alumnus - we were confident we were in good hands.  “We didn’t really know what to expect,” said Jean. “But we were intrigued with the concept and the finished product far exceeded all expectations”

The six-foot structure is completely constructed of iron. What really catches your eye are its features, two barley stalks, cut out of the steel backrest and intended to represent the Barley Ring. The top of the swooping backrest represents both the swaying wheat fields, as well as the handle of a walk-behind plow. Inlaid into the seat back is the former NSAC shield, in bronze. The wording “Nova Scotia Agricultural College 1905” has been cut-out of a seat rung.

“The entire bench has been sandblasted, primed and painted a natural iron color with automotive paint and then clear-coated,” said Shawn. “This will resist weathering and rusting for many years.”  The bench has been constructed to withstand the tests of time and weather…much like agriculture.

“We know the bench will become a focal point for many Convocation’s and Barley Party’s - not to mention alumni reunions, Homecoming and other campus gatherings,” said Jean. “We truly are proud of this creation and especially proud that it has been crafted by Shawn - one of our own.”

The funds for the project were committed from alumni during a previous Annual Appeal campaign for grounds initiatives. In addition to the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association, who also contributed to the project, Shawn graciously donated some of his time towards the end result.