Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age

This is the story of a journey in which an understanding of technique, utility, and engineering together with contemporary design, creativity and innovation conceived what Peter Parkinson describes as a ‘new visual language in hot forged metal’.

‘Earth Fire Iron’ - Saturday 6 September to Sunday 2 November 2025 - reflects on Alan’s background, work and values as vital forces in the emergence of British artist blacksmithing from the late 1970s onwards. Alan designed and made a variety of pieces that ranged dramatically in scale for both private and public commissions. The exhibition illustrates the impact on Alan Evans of his upbringing as part of the Whiteway colony, a radical Tolstoyan community near Stroud set up in 1898, and of Cotswold Arts and Crafts traditions.

Alan’s first major commission aged 29 was for the Treasury Gates, St Paul’s Cathedral in 1980-81. The St Paul’s maquette will be on show together with a range of work by Alan and his contemporaries from Britain and the continent. There will also be work by young blacksmiths from around the UK including Melissa Cole, Sam Pearce and Lisa Wisdom.

Alongside the exhibition will be a string of exciting events including The British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) AGM from 12-14 September which includes a range of blacksmithing demonstrations open to the public. The blacksmithing department of Hereford College of Art will be holding a hands-on forging event in Stroud during the October half term and workshops for school and college groups will be on offer at The Museum in the Park.

Many additional venues including Gallery Pangolin, SVA, Ruskin Mill and Hawkwood College are putting on linked exhibitions and events to create a vibrant festival of blacksmithing.

Opportunity Link: https://museuminthepark.org.uk/earth-fire-iron-alan-evans-and-the-new-iron-age

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