Earth Fire Iron - Alan Evans and the New Iron Age

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.

This special exhibition is accompanied by exciting events at the museum and other local venues, alongside an inspiring programme of free learning sessions for school groups. A new book, ‘Earth Fire Iron’, published by local press Quickthorn, will be available to buy from the museum shop.

Events at The Museum in the Park

Tuesday 2 September – Sunday 9 November

Craft at the Colony: Collections Display (Museum Foyer Showcase)  

This display explores the creativity of Alan Evans unconventional upbringing at the Whiteway Colony near Miserden. Objects from the Evans family’s collection reveal textiles and leatherwork made by the colonists, alongside photos and other artefacts telling the story of this special place.

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September (Museum open 10am – 4.30pm)

‘Inspired’: BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM & Conference

A rare chance to meet emerging and established artist-blacksmiths from across the country and beyond, watch forging in action on the walled garden lawn, and attend inspiring talks and panel discussions. Young people aged 8 to 16 can book a unique one-to-one blacksmithing class with the Quinnell School of Blacksmithing. Talks and panel discussions:

• ‘Art and Wellbeing: Making a Difference’ Panel Discussion on Friday 12 September at 7.30pm, chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP. 

• ‘The Significance of the Cotswold Arts & Crafts Movement’ Lecture by Mary Greensted on Saturday 13 September at 4.30pm

• ‘Inspired to Design’ Panel Discussion with Artist-Blacksmiths Pete Hill, David Tucker, Carra Wassenberg and Sam Pearce, Saturday 13 September at 7.15pm

• ‘Grave Markers:  A Frontier for Blacksmiths?’ Keynote Lecture with Professor Heiner Zimmerman from the University of Gothenburg, Saturday 13 September at 8.30pm. Heiner’s journey as a young smith included working in Alan’s forge at Whiteway. Now he is an internationally respected artist and teacher, admired by many established British and European smiths for his design skills.

Tickets for the above cost £10, advance booking essential. Book online or call 01453 763394.

2pm, Thursday 18 September

Ernest Gimson's Metalwork: A Talk with Mary Greensted:

“Good workmanship with happy thought” Gimson (1864-1919) is best remembered as a furniture designer and architect but his metalwork designs were inspirational. Free but booking required, book online or call 01453 763394.

11am – 12.30pm Thursday 2 October

Arrowhead Forging Demonstration with Hector Cole MBE

Watch a Master Arrowsmith and Archaeological Ironworker at work. Outdoor event in the museum courtyard, weather permitting.  

2pm, Thursday 2 October

Medieval Ironwork: A Talk with Hector Coles MBE

Discover the fascinating history of medieval ironwork. Free but booking required, book online or call 01453 763394.

4.30pm for 5pm, Thursday 16 October

Forging Futures: Talk with Del Done MBE from Hereford College of Arts

Inspirational educator Del Done talks about the role of the Art School in nurturing creativity, heritage and innovation in contemporary metal arts education. Free but booking required, book online or call 01453 763394.

Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 October (drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm)

Half Term Holiday Activities: Chasing Nature Workshops & The Nowhere Forge

Enjoy creative family drop-in workshops with students from Hereford College of Arts and watch forging in action with Simon Bushell and travelling Nowhere Forge.

Events at Partnership Venues

Thursdays 4 September – 23 October

Workshops for Young People at Arian’s Forge, Cranham (fully booked)

With funding from the Ironmongers Company and the support of BeWell Gloucestershire, Arian Leljak will be holding workshops for 8 young people from CASA (Community Autism Support and Advice service). Visits may be possible by appointment - please call Emma on 01452 528491 to discuss.

Thursday 11 & Friday 12 September

Forging Demonstrations by Richard Williams (Cherington Forge) at Crafts Alive, Rodmarton Manor near Cirencester

To book timed tickets for Crafts Alive, and for further details, see the Gloucestershire Guild website. This year’s theme is ‘Flowers and the Maker’.

Saturday 13 – Sunday 27 September

Callum Partridge Exhibition at Stroud Valleys Artspace, 4 John Street, Stroud

An exhibition of work by Stroud-based sculptural metalsmith, Callum Partridge. Free entry. See www.sva.org.uk

Saturday 13 – Sunday 27 September

#150mm Challenge: Exhibition at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford

An international touring exhibition of work by British and international blacksmiths, organised by Hereford College of Arts. Free admission. For opening hours and directions see www.gallery-pangolin.com

Friday 10 – Thursday 30 October

A Collaboration in Forged Metal Exhibition at Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth

Work by Forged Metal Arts postgraduate students led by Ren Garside and Bradley Wills from Hereford College of Arts and students from Ruskin Mill College. Open daily but some weekends closed. Free admission.

Monday 20 – Sunday 26 October

Blacksmiths in Residence at Hawkwood College

Two young blacksmiths, Mark Rogers and Ren Garside, will be artists in residence at Hawkwood College Centre for Future Thinking, Painswick Old Road, Stroud. www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

7.30pm, Wednesday 22 October

Climate & Sustainability Panel Debate at Hawkwood College

Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking host a panel debate chaired by freelance writer and curator, Charlotte Abrahams. Taking part are Daniel Carpenter (CEO of Heritage Crafts), Val Michael (one half of Michael MacGregor leatherworkers, Tetbury) and Lisa Wisdom (artist blacksmith from Cornwall). To book tickets call 01453 759034 or see www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 October

Live Forging Demonstrations at St Laurence Church, Stroud

Live forging by Cameron Pearson and Mark Rogers, postgraduate students from Hereford College of Arts together with Simon Bushell and his innovative travelling Nowhere Forge. They will be demonstrating how to replicate a very special door latch! www.stlaurencefuture.org.uk

For a quick overview of the Earth Fire Iron programme please click on the calendar button.

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’ will be published by Quickthorn in September 2025 (£24 GBP). This is a new handbook about contemporary blacksmithing inspired by Alan Evans. 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 the 1980s. The book includes insights into the important and pioneering Artist Blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts.

With many 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.

With many thanks to the exhibition team:

George Breeze, Lesley Greene, Mary Greensted and all the lenders and contributors who wish to remain anonymous.