Blacksmith wins national graduate design award

Cameron Pearson, a graduate at the Hereford College of Arts, has been named New Designer of the Year

An artist blacksmith has won a national design award for his collection of metal sculptures.

Cameron Pearson, a graduate from Hereford College of Arts, was named the New Designer of the Year after beating off 2,500 other graduates at the New Designers event in London.

The event, which ran from 3 to 6 July, is in its 40th year and showcases creative graduates to the public, galleries, agents and curators.

Mr Pearson said: "I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award. Meeting and speaking with the judges about my craft has been incredibly exciting."

He had entered a collection of forged sculptures into the competition, which judges said combined elegant form with geometry and mathematics. The low-carbon sculptures were created as part of his final project for his degree in BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing.

"This opportunity has inspired me to push my practice further, exploring more complex forms of geometry and deepening my knowledge," he added.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the judges involved in selecting me for this year's New Designer of the Year. It has truly been an unforgettable experience."

The judges described the sculptures as beautiful and elegant

The judges said: "Cameron's forged sculptures are beautiful and elegant. He demonstrates complete mastery of his technique using mathematics and symmetry."

Delyth Done MBE, course leader at Hereford College of Arts, said: "We are delighted that Cameron's exceptional talent has been recognised at such a high-profile national event.

"This award is a testament to his dedication, creative brilliance, and innovative approach."