TEMPERED THOUGHTS: FORGED IN METAL

Our recent Metalwork graduates Richard Weaver, Katie Wright, Jake Lazzari and Simon Bushell will be exhibiting their work alongside an Arts and Crafts masterpiece at the Gordon Russell Museum.

PRIVATE VIEW LAUNCH: 14 September


On Friday 14th September, the Master Blacksmith David Gregory will open Tempered Thoughts: Forged in Metal, an exciting new exhibition at the Gordon Russell Design Museum. The show explores the Art and Crafts metalwork of Gordon Russell alongside pieces by some of Britain’s up and coming contemporary artist blacksmiths.

The centrepiece of this exhibition will be the ‘President’s Cup’. This early Arts & Crafts design by Gordon Russell is being lent by its owners, the British Optical Museum. Other early Gordon Russell metalwork pieces will be on display alongside work by recent graduates from Hereford College of Art: Richard Weaver, Katie Wright, Jake Lazzari and Simon Bushell. These contemporary blacksmiths will exhibit all aspects of their practice from working drawings through to the finished pieces. In addition to this innovative work, the show will also include pieces by avant-garde designer/craftsman Fred Baier.

“I am really pleased to include several recent graduates’ work, both for their craft but especially for their designs. They make a fine counterpoint with Gordon Russell’s early work. I am delighted that Fred Baier continues to support our exhibition programme by lending his metalwork designs for the show,” Richard Paice, Chair of Trustees, Gordon Russell Design Museum

“It may seem that there is no place for the artisan in the world today. We cannot compete with industry head to head; but we offer what the largest companies often cannot supply – the bespoke service the discerning customer wants. I believe that the artisan craftsman has the advantage, even if it is essentially a refusal to be out designed or out made by a machine. I am excited by this exhibition and the talented young blacksmiths on show who are committed to keeping an ancient craft vital and relevant to a contemporary audience.” David Gregory, Master Blacksmith, Cobalt Blacksmiths

Picture details a Richard Weaver piece of forged furniture.