A landmark new exhibition celebrating the life and work of acclaimed artist-blacksmith Alan Evans will open at Stroud’s Museum in the Park this September.
Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age will run from 6 September to 2 November 2025, showcasing the extraordinary contribution of the locally born blacksmith to the resurgence of contemporary forged metalwork in Britain and beyond.
Alan Evans (1952–2023), who grew up in the Tolstoyan community of Whiteway near Stroud, was a pioneering figure in the artist-blacksmithing movement from the late 1970s onwards. His work combined engineering precision with artistic innovation, helping to forge what has been described as a “new visual language in hot forged metal.”
The exhibition will feature a wide range of Alan’s work, including the small-scale model for his first major commission – the Treasury Gates at St Paul’s Cathedral – alongside pieces by his contemporaries from across Britain and Europe. Visitors will also see new work by emerging blacksmiths including Melissa Cole, Sam Pearce and Lisa Wisdom and Cameron Pearson, highlighting the continuing influence of Alan’s legacy.
“This exhibition is shining a light on the exciting and powerful work produced by artist blacksmiths,” said Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee.
“We’re proud to host it here in Stroud, where Alan’s story began. It reflects our commitment to bringing and keeping communities together through strong cultural opportunities that showcase the district as a welcoming, distinctive and attractive place.
“Alan lived for many years in Bisley, where he was an active member of the community. Those who knew him in this way will find the exhibition a revelation."
Earth Fire Iron is more than an exhibition – it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community and a vibrant programme of associated events will run alongside the show:
- The British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) will hold their AGM at The Museum in the Park from 12–14 September, featuring public talks, discussions, blacksmithing demonstrations, and special forging workshops for 8–16-year-olds with the Quinnell School of Blacksmithing
- Linked events and exhibitions will take place across the district at Gallery Pangolin, Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking, Ruskin Mill Gallery, Crafts Alive at Rodmarton Manor, and Stroud Valleys Artspace.
- During the half term holiday, the innovative travelling ‘Nowhere Forge’ will team up with student blacksmiths from Hereford College of Arts with a ‘forge-in’ at St Laurence Church, Stroud on 27 & 28 October and at the Museum on 29, 30 and 31 October
- Free learning sessions for school groups are available to book at the Museum in the Park.
A beautifully illustrated book, Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980–2025, will be published by local publisher Quickthorn in September to accompany the exhibition. More information is available at www.quickthornbooks.com .
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
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