Wind-Up Candlestick

Malcolm lives and works on the border of Somerset and Dorset. He is a member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen and examples of his unique work combining metal and wood are available for us at Old Chapel Gallery. Malcolm was born and brought up in Westbury, Wiltshire and loved Art and Woodwork at school. However, on leaving aged 15 his career choices were limited to farm labourer or panel beater. He chose the latter and in his early thirties began going on weekend courses in Blacksmithing at Cannington College, near Bridgewater. He built a forge in his garage and after 5 or 6 years learning basic techniques he began to discover his own distinctive style combining English hardwoods with hand forged steel. He has been influenced by Art Nouveau style to incorporate growing forms of flames and tendrils inspired by nature. He looks for pieces of wood with unusual character, colour and natural flaws. Over the past 20 years he has regularly won 1st prizes in “artistic ironwork” at the Royal Welsh, New Forest, Edenbridge, Bath and West, Devon and Dorchester County Shows. In 1989 he was awarded a Diploma of Merit by The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths for his “outstanding contribution to craftsmanship”.