British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) Visit Website  Contact Details Tel: 01526 830303 Email: babasecretary AT baba.co.uk
About BABA is a friendly and active organisation, we run "Forge-ins" and "Master Classes" to give real hands-on experience for smiths, old and new alike. If you're not a Blacksmith, there is still plenty BABA can offer, we can give you a view of the current Blacksmithing scene, and an idea of what is possible when a really creative mind is allowed to work on a project. If you like what you see and wish to commission an item, we can even put you in touch with someone who can help make your ideas and dreams come true. Think of the smith, Do you conjure up the image of the village handyman plying a dying trade, or do you see an artist in iron, focused on the future and pushing the envelope of what is accepted as possible? The difference between these two ideas sums up the change which has occurred in blacksmithing in the last 25+ years. This revolution began with the efforts of a few individuals working simultaneously in complete isolation from each other. However, no revolution can exist in a vacuum, and a medium of communication was necessary to foster growth. As a result of the vision of a handful of pioneers and with some inspiration from abroad, that medium was created in 1978 in the form of British Artist Blacksmiths Association, with 30 charter members. That same organisation now numbers some 700 full members, with a further 34 receiving the Magazine by subscription only. Our members come from around the globe. Most are professionals, but there are many students, amateurs 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. Reflecting the generous nature of its participants, 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.
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