Back in 2006 I had this crazy idea of working overseas in an artist blacksmith shop in the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. While the job didn't work out, I did have an opportunity on that trip to visit the shops of a few working smiths in the U.K.. The shop and work of Brian Russell at Little Newsham forge definitely stood out http://www.littlenewshamforge.com/. It is hard to single out one artist in particular when there are so many talented people that create custom architectural metalwork (a quick glance at the yearly publication of International Metal Design Annual http://www.artisanideas.com/category.jhtm?cid=2 clearly demonstrates this fact - not to mention countless other examples), however in my opinion, Brian Russell at Little Newsham Forge consistently produces custom work that is both a beautiful combination of form and function as well as an amalgam of traditional and contemporary methods and aesthetics. Brian undoubtably has the artist's eye - his work always seems to me to be in the right proportions. Brian is also keen on incorporating the traditional techniques of the blacksmith throughout his work (techniques such as rivets, mortise and tenons, and forge welds). This incredible work is produced in what appeared like a random collection of farm outbuildings. It was a great pleasure to meet Brian (I think I even stayed for lunch) and spend some time talking about his work and getting his take on the world of creating in metal.
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