Terrence Clark FWCB
Thirty five years ago Terrence Clark set up his own workshop to create original functional art as an artsmith. In 1981 he moved to Wildfields Farm, Wood Street Village, near Guildford. The farm house is a listed building set in rolling grassland, apparently miles away from anywhere; it answers Clark's need for times of silence and to be close to nature. The large workshop is tucked away in a barn where Clark and his team forge elaborate gates, church furniture, spiral staircases, even delicate pieces of jewellery. Terrence's signature is a tiny snail which he affixes to each of his works.
Clark is emphatic that all the work, from initial design right through to completion and installation is done by him and his team of smiths. Builders and architects are consulted throughout when it comes to gateways and architectural embellishments. Exact drawings and measurements ensure right proportions. Details are equally important, including locks and hinges and other fittings.
Initial inspiration sometimes develops in conversation with the patron, but the design is seen in conjunction with the location and will be in keeping with its environment.
Terrence Clark was Editor of "British Blacksmith" magazine from 1980 to 1984. He has, as of October 1999, taken on the editorship once again, relaunching, redesigning and renaming the magazine "Artist Blacksmith", and continued until the end of 2008 when the editorship was passed on. He has demonstrated on a number of occasions, including the Victoria & Albert Museum’s "Towards a New Iron Age" in 1982 and in the USA (2002 & 2004) and at Sotheby’s. In 1991 he was Forgemaster at the First International "Forge In" in Ireland and is recognised as one of the leading smiths in Europe. He has won a number of competitions and prizes and organised and chaired the International Blacksmithing Conference in Ironbridge, Shropshire in 1985. In 1986 he was the first artsmith to have a gate accepted in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition under sculpture.
Terrence Clark is a keen conservationist and enjoys restoring antique metal work. He does his best to meld the restoration into the exact style of the original smiths. Looking to the future he would love to work more in bronze and stainless steel. He loves music and flying, gaining inspiration and ideas from both. The integrity of his work speaks for itself.
Terrence puts the whole of himself into all his creative work. "I have to have a reason for creating a new design with someone in mind and a definite location. I must be motivated, even challenged. It must come from within myself". His love of form and function and his passion for the basic power of iron along with his understanding of the needs of his client have resulted in the production of some of the most memorable work in this country.