Sam Sherborne: Softening the blow stories told with fire and steel 

Sam Sherborne is an artist blacksmith and the winner of the prestigious South Yorkshire wide open art competition, The Cooper Prize.  

Sam previously taught art and design technology to young people, but now works from his forge in a converted pub beer cellar in Sheffield, concentrating on making steel sculpture. 

His sculptures are part machines for processing emotion and part figures for contemplation, like icons. The sculptures are often autobiographical, exploring memories and clarifying ideas. After making an initial quick sketch, Sam uses his precise technical skills to bring the sketch’s energy and immediacy into metalwork. Stories both personal and universal are encapsulated in forged steel. Having an element of humour is important to Sam, even though some of the subject-matter is serious. The sculptures’ meanings are not meant to be too concrete or fixed, allowing viewers to make up their own stories. 

  

A collection of Sam’s sculptures is currently on display in the Sadler Room in the Cooper Gallery until 29^th March 2025. 

Admission is free but please do contact the Gallery before making a special journey as the space is occasionally used for events.