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.
George Breeze MA, FRSA, FMA was Director at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum. He is interested in the Arts & Crafts movement and has published on aspects of painting related to that movement. He knew Alan Evans since his days as an apprentice to Alan Knight.
Lesley Greene MA was Alan Evans partner for over 30 years. An art consultant working in the public sector, key freelance commissions include New Bristol Childrens Hospital and the new Alder Hey Childrens Hospital Liverpool. She also chaired the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust and was a Founder/Trustee of Stroud Valleys Artspace. She is a parish councillor involved in composting projects and green politics.
Mary Greensted MPhil., AMA was a curator at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum and has written widely on the Arts and Crafts movement. She was Chair of the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen and now chairs the Guild of Handicraft Trust, Chipping Campden.
Foreword - Sandy Nairne
Introduction - George Breeze
Glossary of blacksmithing terms
1. Alan Evans, A Personal Reflection - Lesley Greene
2. Alan Evans within the Arts & Crafts Movement - Mary Greensted
3. Alan Evans and the New Iron Age - Peter Parkinson
4. St Pauls Treasury Gates
5. Case Study: Christoph Friedrich
6. Case Study: Sam Pearce
7. Alan Evans: Earth, Material, Practice - Paul Harper
8. Blacksmithing & Sustainability- Daniel Carpenter
