2016: Adrian Stapleton: Trinity Forge

Fluidity, simplicity and functionality are Adrian’s design principles.

Working with materials regarded as every-day and industrial he strives to create pieces which are simple in design, exquisite in their craftsmanship and functional – a delight to use or look at everyday.

Inspired by the fluid and curvilinear forms achieved by the likes of designers and Blacksmiths Hector Guimard & Fritz Kuhn, he believes that the craftsmanship of the maker should be evident in the work.

Adrian says “Hot forging has an immediacy and directness, which leads to spontaneous and sometimes accidental creativity. The directness of the process is endlessly fascinating.”

My mission statement – To use my creativity and imagination to make beautifully crafted and skilfully made items that I and my customers can love and enjoy.

I am a full time designer & maker; trained at the National Blacksmithing School, Hereford, I am a Journeyman member of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and an active member of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association.

Full time, self-employed Blacksmith for ten years, I have worked on a range of commissions and pieces for sale. Using traditional hot forging techniques I create interior and exterior ironwork.

I have worked under Master Blacksmith Steve Lunn on a set of park gate for the Preston Hall Museum, Stockton On Tees on the theme of the River Tees. I have also worked with sculptor Rodger Lee on pieces of corporate and public art.

Numerous private commissions have been generated as a result of demonstrating and exhibiting at makers markets and craft events, including architectural, sculptural, figurative and abstract installation pieces. I have also been commissioned by Southwell Minster and Lincoln Cathedral to create new work and assist with restoration projects.

I am an exhibiting member of the Harding House Gallery Co-operative and am planning an exhibition in early 2017 at the Sam Scorer Gallery in Lincoln.

As an Artist Maker I have taken the decision to market my business by demonstrating at selected Craft Fairs & Markets. I like to engage with the public and am passionate about my craft. This passion has proved to be a real asset in securing commissions.