Following unprecedented local and international interest in the landmark Earth Fire Iron exhibition, The Museum in the Park in Stroud has announced an exciting and wide-ranging programme of events – most of which are free of charge - running alongside the exhibition until 2 November 2025.
Celebrating the life and legacy of locally born, renowned artist-blacksmith Alan Evans, the exhibition is accompanied by an imaginative array of activities for all ages and interests. Visitors can meet blacksmiths, watch live forging, see exhibitions by local blacksmiths, join panel discussions, take part in creative workshops, and family-friendly half term events.
Events will take place not only at the museum but also at partner venues across the district, including Gallery Pangolin, Stroud Valleys Artspace and Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking. This collaborative approach offers audiences the chance to discover new venues and experience the district’s vibrant cultural scene.
Calendar of Events
Until Sunday 2 November Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980–2025 Free exhibition Museum in the Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF
Until 9 November Craft at the Colony: Collections Display (2 Sept – 9 Nov): Explore the creativity of Alan Evans’ unconventional upbringing at the Whiteway Colony, with textiles, leatherwork, photos and artefacts from the Evans family collection. Museum in the Park, Stroud.
Thursday 16 October, 4.30 for 5pm Forging Futures: The Art School Nurturing Creativity, Heritage and Innovation in Contemporary Metal Arts Education Talk by Del Done. Free but booking required. Museum in the Park.
Friday 10 – Thursday 30 October A Collaboration in Forged Metal Exhibition of 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. Ruskin Mill Gallery, Nailsworth, GL6 0LA More details: sue.smee@rmc.rmt.org
Monday 20 – Sunday 26 October Mark Rogers and Ren Garside Hawkwood College hosts two young blacksmiths, Mark Rogers and Ren Garside, as artists in residence. Meet the artists, watch live forging demonstrations, and explore an exhibition showcasing works by MA Forged Metal Arts students. You will be able to drop in to the Hay Barn at Hawkwood on the following dates:
- Monday 20 Oct 2-6pm
- Tuesday 21 – Sat 25 Oct 10am-1pm and 2-6pm
- Sunday 26 Oct 10am-1pm
Free admission.
Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm Earth Fire Iron: Contemplating Carbon Panel debate chaired by Charlotte Abrahams, with Daniel Carpenter, Val Michael, and Lisa Wisdom. Free but booking required.
Hawkwood College, The Centre for Future Thinking, Stroud, GL6 7QW. More details:
Monday 27 – Tuesday 28 October (drop in between 10am – 4pm) Live Forging demonstrations With Simon Bushell, Cameron Pearson and Mark Rogers, reproducing the Alfred Bucknell latch in the Church. Free admission. St Laurence Church, Stroud, GL5 1JL. More details:
Sunday 2 November 2.30pm & 4.30pm. Storytelling with Fiona Eadie & Kirsty Hartsiotis £5/£3 Limited spaces so booking essential:
Half Term Holiday Activities:
Wednesday 29 – Friday 31 October (drop in between 10.30am-3.30pm) Chasing Nature and Simon Bushell’s Nowhere Forge Creative family drop-in workshops with Hereford College of Arts students and live forging with Simon Bushell’s travelling Nowhere Forge. Free admission. Museum in the Park
A new book, Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, is available from the museum shop, offering insights into the evolution of contemporary blacksmithing.
Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said:
“The unprecedented local and international interest in the Earth Fire Iron exhibition is a testament to the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and creativity in our district.
This exciting programme of events not only celebrates Alan Evans’ remarkable legacy but also furthers our council plan objective to support strong cultural opportunities that showcase the district as a welcoming, distinctive, and attractive place.
We look forward to welcoming even more people to experience the creativity and community spirit that make Stroud so special.”
For full details, booking information and updates, visit the Museum in the Park website: www.museuminthepark.org.uk/earth-fire-iron-alan-evans-and-the-new-iron-age
A one-page pdf of the events can be found here:
The exhibition is the Museum in the Park’s major autumn show and is funded by Arts Council England, the Summerfield Trust and the Jinny Quinnell Memorial Trust alongside crucial support from many other contributors. It is curated by George Breeze, Lesley Greene and Mary Greensted in partnership with the Museum in the Park team.
The Museum in the Park is managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust. It is home to a rich local history collection, a magical walled garden, and a dedicated contemporary exhibition space.
The Museum also offers a free-to-join membership, giving members updates on exhibitions and events, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Find out more at www.museuminthepark.org.uk/membership
Background information
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Earth Fire Iron – Quickthorn
For media inquiries contact: pressoffice@stroud.gov.uk
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