Introduction
Ellie Barden is a blacksmith, welder and fabricator, weaving traditional metalworking skills with contemporary artistry, to create bespoke and functional works of art.
Born in Cumbria, Ellie completed her apprenticeship in blacksmithing and welding with renowned designer and metalworker Chris Brammall in Ulverston in 2015. She then further developed her craft working with award winning sculptor Andrew Kay based in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Ellie runs her own workshop, Grace Forge, and she sees metalwork not just as a functional craft but as something with longevity, memory and heritage. Ellie believes metalwork becomes an heirloom, designed for the client and enjoyed by generations after.
Ellie’s work
Ellie works blending traditional forging with contemporary design to create bespoke architectural and sculptural Metalwork.
In 2018 Ellie opened Grace Forge in the old coach house of the Historic Brougham Hall, near Penrith. From here Ellie and her team love working with clients from across the UK, to realise the bespoke ideas they bring.
Their pieces are created with enduring materials and time-honoured forging techniques and designed to be part of a place for years to come. From interiors and furniture to fabrication and welding, as well as bespoke projects, Ellie works with a wide variety of clients on different ideas.
Recently, Ellie was commissioned by Cumberland Council to create two enormous pieces of public art to mark the completion of the new Carlisle southern link road. We went to meet Ellie as she was working on the huge metal animal sculptures; a bull and a mare with a foal.
What makes Ellie a SITBI champion
Ellie is a great example of a Cumbrian who has followed her passions. She’s now making a living from her craft and has made a real mark on the Cumbrian landscape. She exudes authenticity, and her top tip of networking and getting yourself out there and keeping talking to people rings very true.
You can find more of Ellie’s work here, or follow her on Instagram.
