The Neville Shulman Prize

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The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths (WCB)

Neville Shulman Prize Competition for 2026 is now accepting entries.

The Brief 2026

This competition is open to all UK-based blacksmiths to design and make a new piece of decorative ironwork for use and display at WCB luncheons and dinners in the future.

2026 Prize Fund - £1000

  • Entries may take any form but must weigh no more than 2.5 kilogrammes
  • Entries must fit within a 200mm cube.

The WCB are looking for superlative examples of the blacksmith’s craft, incorporating traditional techniques along with the usual high standards associated with the WCB awards system and the static entries judged at NBCC shows.

  • Both functional and sculptural pieces are encouraged.
  • Submissions should have a value of £1000 – consider this in your work.

This competition encourages and promotes the hot forging of iron, steel, and other metals. Blacksmiths may use any method of construction, but the submission should primarily be designed and made using hot forging techniques. Gas, plasma and laser cut profiles are permitted but they must be worked as if a traditionally cut out profile.

Notes:

The Neville Shulman Prize competition will be run annually until a new collection of ten finished pieces that show the very best of the craft of the blacksmith is completed. There may be more than one winner each year. The winning pieces will become the property of the WCB.

  • A maximum of two pieces may be selected each year.
  • If the criteria and standards are not met, no pieces will be selected.

Please complete an entry form, available from: https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/craft/awards

2026 Competition Timing

1 August 2026 Completed forms are to be sent to the Clerk of the Company, accompanied by four good quality photos showing the work.

1 September 2026 A shortlist of pieces will be selected by the WCB. The applicants will be informed by the Clerk.

21 September 2026 The shortlisted pieces will need to be delivered to the judging venue.

26-27 September 2026 The shortlisted pieces will be judged in-person over the weekend.

12 October 2026 Non-winning work will need to be collected from the judging venue.

22 October 2026 Winners will be announced at the WCB Michaelmas Awards Luncheon where the winning piece/s will be displayed.

Terms and Conditions - Please read carefully

  • Submissions are only to be made using the WCB Neville Shulman Prize entry form. This may be obtained from the Clerk. clerk@blacksmithscompany.co.uk or, from: https://blacksmithscompany.co.uk/craft/awards

  • Any entry forms received after 1 August 2026, or not completed correctly, will not be accepted.

  • Work submitted must be original – copies of previously-made works are not permissible.

  • Work submitted must be made by an individual smith.

  • Work must meet the size and weight criteria.

  • Discreet makers marks are permitted.

  • Competitors may only enter one competition piece per year.

  • Previously submitted pieces may not be re-submitted in subsequent years.

  • Three WBC judges (Bronze or above Medal Holders) and a WCB guest will judge the competition.

  • The Neville Shulman Prize entries may be included in the NBCC static competitions.

  • Shortlisted entries must be received at the judging venue by 21 September 2026.

  • Competitors are responsible for delivery and collection of their work to and from the judging venue.

  • Artwork must be delivered to, and collected from, the judging venue on the dates listed. The WCB will dispose of any artwork not collected by 16 October 2026.

  • The WCB will not pay any return postage costs.

  • The WCB will be entitled to publish an image of or make use of any piece of work entered into the competition free of charge.

  • Although every care will be taken, the WCB cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, any artwork.

  • Proof of posting is not proof of delivery.

  • The judge’s decision is final.

  • Any competitor wishing to lodge an objection must do so in writing with a £25 deposit. The WCB will consider each objection, and its decision shall be final.