Graduates from the Artist Blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts have recently won at the 2017 World Forging Championships, held during the second edition of the ‘Biennial of the Blacksmith’ in Stia, Italy. This is another trophy to add to the collection that the students and graduates, known as the Hereford Anvils, continue to gather as they gain artistic recognition on local and international levels.

From August 31st to September 2nd this year, the town of Stia came alive with the sights, sounds and smells of blacksmithing as 12 forges were lit through the town. Individual blacksmiths, as well as teams, worked on 12 anvils - one in each forge - throughout the weekend. Master blacksmiths from all around the world wielded their hammers and shaped hot metal into the embodiment of their ideas, and cultural traditions.

An international jury of experts in metal work and art, judged both individual and team competitions over the four days. This year’s competition asked participants to make work around the theme of ’dreams’. The team from Hereford was made up of team captain, Ambrose Burne, Sam Pierce, Matthew Garton, and Victoria Gaskill. Next, Burne will take on the role of Forge Master at ‘Ferrous 2017’ – a new blacksmithing festival in Hereford city centre. The opening weekend of ‘Ferrous’ will see blacksmiths light six forges through the town, over the weekend of October 20th, 21st and 22nd.

Delyth Done, the Artist Blacksmithing Course Leader at Hereford College of Arts and a council member of the British Blacksmiths Association, said of the win: “I couldn’t be happier for the team. In my role at HCA, I see blacksmiths develop from the start of their careers, all the way through to international competitions like this. It’s immensely rewarding to see their experience grow, to see them working together, and of course, to celebrate their success in competitive events like the World Forging Championships.”

Ambrose Burne, master blacksmith, and lecturer on the Artist Blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts said: “Competing at the World Forging Championships as part of this team was an unforgettable experience. Working alongside smiths of such a high standard from around the world was a real honour.”

Abigail Appleton, Principal of Hereford College of Arts, said: “I am delighted for the team and their recent win. Triumphs at competitions like this demonstrate the unquestionably high quality of the teaching on our unique Artist Blacksmithing course, and are hugely encouraging for those blacksmiths still studying at HCA.”