Bex Simon

2018 QEST Howdens Scholar - Blacksmithing
Devon

During a Foundation in Art at Surrey Institute, Bex attended a forging and welding demonstration and realised the potential of blacksmithing for her organic style. Since becoming an artist blacksmith in 1999, her work has been mostly by commission, including a 40-metre installation at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. In 2019 she became the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Tonypandy Cup for blacksmithing, an award given annually by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

Bex has long been interested in the mathematics of the natural world and its application in Islamic art. Over the next three years, supported by her QEST Howdens Scholarship, she will attend five courses and a number of lectures on the Open Programme at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, beginning with Geometry & the Order of Nature.

This QEST Howdens Scholarship will give me a broader understanding on how to mix the ancient beauty of Islamic art with traditional blacksmithing techniques and contemporary metalwork design, from which I plan to develop a body of sculptural wall art to sell through galleries.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't share your details with third parties. Please check our privacy policy.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't share your details with third parties. Please check our privacy policy.