Earth, Fire, Iron is a handbook about contemporary blacksmithing inspired by the outstanding artist blacksmith, Alan Evans (1952-2023) whose brilliant conception of a set of gates in 1980 for the Treasury at St Pauls Cathedral, London was seen as game-changing for the craft. With contributions from leading voices in the artist blacksmith community, it provides an overview from Evans roots in the Cotswold Arts and Crafts movement to exciting developments in the craft since 1980 as makers and educators stepped up to the challenges and positives of blacksmithing and began to engage in constructive thinking about ways of tackling environmental issues and climate change. This richly illustrated book includes an overview of the important and pioneering Artist Blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts and an introduction to issues around commissioning new work. Case studies by a range of makers at different stages in their careers brings all these issues to life. Earth, Fire, Iron will inspire and assist both students and established makers and open everyones eyes to the potential of this elemental craft.
The book is accompanied by an exhibition of work at the Museum in the Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire in September 2025.
