For years, his wrought iron craftsmanship attracted the attention of eminent customers such as the former prime minister John Major and writer Jeffrey Archer. 

But it might well be one of Sheringham’s most famous landmarks which the late Stanley Wells will be remembered for. 

A beloved north Norfolk character, Mr Wells had lived in Weybourne for many years. He had previously lived and worked in the seaside town of Sheringham. 

Born on June 15, 1935, he learnt to weld while serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, providing him with a life-long skill and passion. 

Eastern Daily Press: Stanley Wells

With his wife, Mary, the couple moved from Wembley, in London, to Sheringham in January 1965. 

They opened the business Metal Designs, taking over from a former furniture shop in the seaside town’s Cooperative Street. They lived in the flat above the shop. 

Later, they moved to Weybourne and Mr Wells rented a workshop in Sheringham for many years before relocating his workplace to a space beside their house. 

Eastern Daily Press: Stanley Wells ran Metal Designs with his wife, Mary, in Sheringham

Eastern Daily Press: Stanley Wells produced these horseshoe house numbers

It was from here he produced hundreds – if not thousands – of house numbers welded inside horseshoes. 

These were sold in outlets locally and nationwide, including at Westminster Abbey, and became his “bread and butter”. 

He produced many a piece of metalwork for famous customers which, as well as a former prime minister, included the singer and actress Cleo Laine. 

But he was also in demand for more elaborate projects, such as the ironwork for the Sheringham town clock gates and war memorial.  

It is no wonder he became affectionately known as 'Stan the man - the wrought iron man’. 

Eastern Daily Press: Stanley Wells produced Sheringham's town clock gates

Eastern Daily Press: Stanley Wells work at a war memorial

Away from his workshop, he was an avid collector of cine cameras and projectors due to a great interest in the history of cine photography. 

He was also interested in the topic of the Titanic and enjoyed reminiscing about his attendance at the 1951 Festival of Britain in London. 

He loved auctions and attended them regularly at Fakenham and Aylsham, returning home in his "rickety van” laden with treasures. 

Mr Wells died at the age of 88 on February 26. He is survived by his wife and their daughter, Michelle. 

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