Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980-2025

Saturday 6 September to Sunday 2 November 2025

Earth Fire Iron commemorates the career of Stroud artist-blacksmith Alan Evans (1952-2023) reflecting on his background as part of the Whiteway colony, a radical Tolstoyan community near Stroud set up in 1898, and the impact of Cotswold Arts and Crafts traditions. His work and values were vital to the emergence of British artist blacksmithing from the late 1970s onwards illustrated by pieces from British and continental blacksmiths. There will be a range of work on show by Alan and his contemporaries in Britain and Europe as well as contributions by some of the most exciting young blacksmiths working today.

Alan working at his forge

Detail of a public art project by Alan Evans and Sue Ridge at the railway station, Southampton,

This special exhibition will be accompanied by events at the museum and other local venues, alongside an exciting programme of FREE workshops for schools. Please watch this space!

Accompanying events to look out for:

  • The British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) will be holding their AGM at the museum between 12-14 September. This will include a range of talks, discussions and hands-on forging events open to the public.

  • BABA have also organised a competition ‘Inspired’ for young smiths or students who were invited to submit designs for pieces they would not normally have the capacity or time to make. Funding and an experienced mentor are provided for the winning designers to support them through the process and the results will be on display in and around the museum.

  • Linked events in Stroud and the surrounding area at Gallery Pangolin; Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking; Ruskin Mill College; Crafts Alive at Rodmarton Manor; and Stroud Valleys Artspace.

  • Workshops for school and college groups at The Museum in the Park

  • Half term forging demos and family craft activities from 29 to 31 October at The Museum in the Park

Multi-generational forging at BABA AGM 2024. Photo courtesy Lesley Greene

 

For a map where works by Alan Evans may be viewable please use the button.

Accompanying publication:

Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age to be published by Quickthorn Press, September 2025, www.Quickthornbooks.com

 

With thanks to our funders:

Arts Council England, Jinny Quinnell Memorial Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Ann Albright, The Summerfield Trust, Stroud District Council, Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust and all those who wish to remain anonymous.