Since 1978, BABA has developed and promoted the work of the modern artist blacksmith.
BABA has united thousands of professional and amateur smiths (and interested others) across Britain and the rest of the world in a spirit of friendship and collaboration, to learn about, enjoy and advance the extraordinary craft of creative blacksmithing.
About BABA
As a result of the vision of a handful of pioneers, and with some inspiration from abroad, the British Artist Blacksmiths Association was created in 1978, with 30 charter members.
The organisation now numbers some 600 full members, with other overseas subscribers receiving our Magazine by subscription only. Our members come from around the globe. Most are professionals, but there are many students, amateurs, organisations and supporters contributing to the overall vitality.
BABA is the collected and distilled essence of what makes blacksmiths similar to each other and different from those whose principle interests lie elsewhere.
BABA is not exclusive and does not vet membership. In fact, the chief aim of the group is to share the knowledge, experience and fellowship we feel is necessary to maintain and forward the art.
To this end, we:
- Organise forge-ins and hold an annual conference
- Hold masterclasses
- Publish for members a magazine (usually 4 issues per annum) and monthly newsletter
- Maintain this website.
- Offer access to a competitive insurance scheme
- Organise gallery exhibitions
- Organise the production of large public sculptures in which the talents of as many members as possible are showcased
We welcome your membership should you decide to join us.
You can also subscribe to our magazine without becoming a member, but only if you reside outside the United Kingdom
What We've Achieved
- A world-wide support network of generous, like-minded men and women with a mutual love of forging hot iron.
- Numerous large-scale collaborative public artworks, such as the Blacksmith's Needle (Newcastle), the motifs for the gates to Shakespeare's Globe (London), the International Pillar of Friendship (Ironbridge) and the Foundry Boxes Sculpture (Ironbridge).
- Strong links with other British and international blacksmithing organisations and educational establishments.
- A world-class magazine for our members - ARTIST BLACKSMITH - which features profiles of blacksmiths, fascinating debates, project case studies, business and legal issues, photo galleries and international stories.
- Research into craft education in schools and colleges, blacksmithing for children, and major achievements in the setting up of training and apprenticeships.
- Three and a half decades of fantastic and varied events, conferences and masterclasses, combining learning and collaborative participation with good food, music and great social camaraderie.
- An online platform for members to promote their work to potential clients.
- Major shows of contemporary ironwork across the UK.
- A monthly newsletter providing members with opportunities to access information, find or seek employment and sell or buy equipment.