David Tucker
I am an Artist Blacksmith, designing and making experimental Forged Ironwork which attempts to expand the boundaries of the medium, from large scale Architectural work, to smaller Sculptural and Craft pieces. What links everything is a strong desire to experiment with the vast potential of hot forged iron; form, structure, texture and colour, as well as to respond to environment, character, history to create new, exciting forms. Every piece is the result of hours of experiment, working the metal creatively and responding to the results.
My work has been exhibited widely, including at the Museum of Modern Art, Japan; at Jugend Gestaltet, Germany (where I was awarded the annual prize); at the V & A Museum, London, as well as at numerous local and National galleries and exhibitions. My most recently completed commission is a pair of sculptural entrance gates for the newly opened Gilbert and George Centre, London, developed in collaboration with the artists to create a fitting first point of contact and signature identity for the building. I am also currently completing several sculptural information stands for use across the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, designed in collaboration with the artists responsible for the information boards and inspired by the strong industrial identity of the Mills. Past projects include the Arts Council funded 'Hands on History' sculptural vessel for Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, an Interactive Display Case for a hoard of 12th century coins for Buxton museum and Art Gallery, and Main Entrance gates for Christchurch, Lichfield.
David Tucker BA / FWCB
Awards
Awarded the 2017 ‘Tonypandy Cup’. Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths 2017
Silver Medal for excellence in design and craftsmanship, Worshipful Company of 2014 Blacksmiths
Bronze Medal for excellence in design and craftsmanship, Worshipful Company of 2012 Blacksmiths
Made a fellow of the Worshipful Company of 2012 Blacksmiths
Jugend Gestaltet International Prize for ‘Outstanding Design in 1986 Metal’
Awarded Crafts Council ‘Setting Up’ 1985 grant
Recent and Significant Public Commissions
Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site information stands 2023
The Gilbert and George Gallery gates 2022
Tuckers’ Hall gate and railings 2021 Railings for the Guild Hall of the Wool trade in Exeter, telling the story of wool from sheep to cloth.
Bodidris Hall Gates 2018
Buxton Museum & Art Gallery 2015
Interactive and Interpretive Display Case for a hoard of 12th century coins
South Derbyshire 2014
World War One Memorial to The Fallen
Dame Catherine Harpur’s School, Derbyshire 2014
Arts Council Award, gate and railings within conservation area, incorporating children’s artwork
Wymeswold Church 2013
Olympic Arch. Lantern arch designed and made to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic flameSwadlincote Town Hall Railings
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery 2008
Interactive and Interpretive Vessel for the display of exhibits relating to Law and Order
Exhibitions
My work has been exhibited extensively, both nationally and internationally, including;
National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Jugend Gestaltet, Munich, Germany
Victoria and Albert Museum, England