A.J. Godden was born on a Friday March 13th in London England the U.K. 

He was one of five children Patrick, Micheal, Alastair, Muriam, and Ann all born to Ida Bridget (Gosford) Godden a descendent of Ireland and her husband Captain Edward Henry Godden R.E. M.B.E.  a well known London business man. The second world war influenced and molded Alec's mind for business in a time of evacuations and rationing in fact Alec considered farming and becoming a milkman before choosing the decorative metal arts as a trade.  According to Alec he attended one of London's more prestigious art colleges until he was obliged to leave.

Alec says this Institute of higher learning was effectionately known as the "Scrubs" and after his release, for good behavior. ( he's only joking of course)

Alec continued and completed his apprenticeship in the artistic trade of old world metal smithing in silver, pewter, brass, copper and iron until the 1950's. When the  Suez Canal Crisis  happened Alec enlisted in the British Army and was posted in Egypt to patrol and secure the passage of ships through the Suez canal, after that experience Alec joined the merchant Navy to see the rest of the world and traveled to the USA,  Australia, and Hong Kong, as well as many other ports including that of Canada. In 1960 this country became their home for himself and his first wife, the late Thelma Godden.

Fast forward to the present date March 13th 2015 and we are proud to introduce to you,  (this pretentious, bombastic, introduction is always made in good humour and in high spirits)

"Ladies and Gentlemen, ... it humbles me to introduce to you ... A TRULY WORLD RENOWNED ARTIST ... THE GREATEST ARTIST THIS SIDE OF THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS ... THE ONE ... THE ONLY ... BRING THEM BACK ALIVE ...  A.  J.  GODDEN."

This introduction is very typical for anyone that frequents the Artist's studio shop in Norfolk Twp as we try to include everyone in the humour..

(Alex so we’ve been told is the only man alive to go down into the black hole of Calcutta, mess with a baboo's nickers and come out with out a scratch.) ...  thank you, thank you, thank you, ... please hold your applause. 

All joking a side Alec Godden has been articled on his pieces of sculptures and paintings by numerous magazines and newspapers in Canada and many other parts of the world. Recently Alec was interviewed for his achievements and contributions to the community. Watch the video interview @ click ( Alec J. Godden interviewed by Clark Hoskin ) here. Also a few samples of other articles can be found at the link ( The News page ) which also celebrates  Dr. Jim Cruise who is also in his late eighty's and is a truly dear friend of Alec as well as a long time faithful customer.

Stainless steel is the medium of choice although deadly to weld and work with and rather expensive material, this welded sculptured snake and bust of an Irish whister will never age and tarnish or depreciate artistically in value.  

Pictured below is a long time business associate of AJ's  Chuck VanLoon and a short video.