One of the final exhibitions to open as part of Home of Metal has opened at Bilston Craft Gallery. Called Reverberation: the art of metal bashing then and now, the exhibition celebrates the Black Country’s proud heritage of invention and skill in metalworking by placing some rarely displayed 19th- and 20th-century items from private collections juxtaposed with fantastic examples of contemporary metal practice and innovation, including new commissions from contemporary designer-makers. A varied programme of events and hands-on activities are also on offer to engage all ages with this exhibition.
The collections – from tea pots to coal skuttles to crumb trays – are charmingly displayed in rows to exhibit their subtle differences in design and style.
On display are hundreds of examples of historic items by companies such as Beldray, Henry Loverage, Marston’s and Sankey’s. Alongside these there is a commissioned piece of new work by Birmingham-based metal-smith Rajesh Gogna alongside other contemporary work by internationally renowned makers such as Simone ten Hompel and Chien-Wei Chang.
Don’t miss Reverberation Family Open Day
Saturday 29 October 11am – 3pm
Come along to this free fun-filled day and get involved with our exhibition Reverberation. There will be a range of frop-in activities to have a go at: make your own wire tools with artist Cathy Miles, create an embossed metal medal, discover the technique of brass rubbing and learn hot to weave a small vessel using metallic fabrics.
Local artist and metalsmith Rajesh Gogna (who as mentioned above has created a new work for the exhibition) will be at the Gallery to demonstrate some of his metalworking skills to visitors. Children can win a goody bag of treats by completing our exhibition trail and for our very youngest visitors Craftply will be open with lots of activities.