Artists Profile - Hazel Moore AWCB

Growing up on a farm, with a love for the countryside (especially an interest in Rural Crafts), Hazel has enjoyed a passion for smithing and all things hot metal since her teenage years. After studies at Hereford Technical College in 'Basic Blacksmithing & Allied Trades', she progressed to gaining a National Diploma in 'Design Crafts - Metals' at Hereford Art College. Following three years study at West Surrey College of Art and Design, (now the University College for the Creative Arts), she graduated in 1994 with a BA (Hons) in Three-Dimensional Design (Metals).

During her time as a student, she was privileged to have work placements with talented blacksmiths: David Hawkins, Dave Petersen, Bill Poirrier and David Capes. Whilst studying in Surrey, she spent three months in the USA on an exchange trip - partly funded by the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, London - where she studied at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. As an entrant to the prestigious Avesta Sheffield Design Competition, she came joint second with an organically themed design for door finger plates in stainless steel. She was also a student representative on the committee of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association.

Since graduating she has run a successful small business from her rural forge in Kington Langley, near Chippenham. For more than 25 years she has created a vast range of work (almost exclslively in hand forged mild steel) using centuries old techniques to create large and small masterpieces. Inspired by nature, her work has developed a style of free-flowing organic sweeps and curls - where design briefs allow.

Her heart is best suited to creating one-off designs, but, whatever the challenge, it will be undertaken with passion, attention to detail and forged and finished to the highest standards.