It was whilst I was studying at West Surrey College of Art, under the expert tuition of Peter Parkinson, that I first became aware of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association. I’ve been a member ever since, about 30 years. BABA has broadened my knowledge, my perception of design and introduced me to like minded, enthusiastic and inspirational smiths from all over the world. I have been a part of Ratho Byres Forge since 1996. Here I have been able to develop my design and collaboration skills whilst learning to educate clients about contemporary ironwork. Ratho Byres Forge is a family partnership, started by Phil Johnson and now run by his daughter, Shona and myself. We employ four full time staff all of whom have been with the firm for 20-30 years, which makes for an incredibly close team, where decisions on design and approach are often taken collaboratively with everyone having input into the final work. It is a very unique place to work. The forging processes by which steel can be formed are fundamental to the satisfaction that I derive from my work. Extreme changes in section are often central to a design, as for me this typifies the malleability of steel, large fullered forms being a recurring feature. Though I often look to the material for inspiration, the needs of the client and the architecture of the site also influence designs. Beyond all I am captivated by steel, it's strength , fragility, durability, and decay. From the structure of a bridge to a pile of quietly rusting scrap, it is a material with amazing properties and has had an incredible effect on the world in which we live.
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