collaborative Forging masterclass 2022
2022 Team led by Will Maguire forging a cantilever seat
In May 2022 Will Maguire led a collaborative sculptural project in the lead up to and throughout the Blacksmiths Festival in Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria. The sculptural cantilever seat was constructed from reclaimed timber and steel from the old Footscray Wharf. The wharf was being reconstructed and the festival sculpture was later installed when the new wharf was finished. The sculpture now sits adjacent to the festival site and become part of the public art landscape along the Maribyrnong River.
Nine participants worked as part of three teams of three blacksmiths, with Australia’s own Ben Beames, Matt Mewburn and Woody Blower as forging team leaders. This was a unique experience, working alongside some of the most exciting smiths in the country, each team completing elements of the sculpture that will come together as one piece at the end of the event.
Participating Blacksmiths: Will Maguire (Project Leader) - NSW, Matt Mewburn (Team Leader) - NSW, Ben Beames (Team Leader) - TAS, Woody Blower (Team Leader) - NSW, Alex Wixted - NSW, Alice Garret - VIC, Colin Dray - NSW, Dan O'Toole - TAS, Dara Carey Quilty - VIC, Denise Axelsen - QLD, Elliott Franklin-Browne - NSW, Kieran Gleeson - VIC, Mark Rochlitz - NSW, Robbie Alderson - VIC