A new exhibition has arrived at The Cooper Gallery, which aims to tell personal stories through blacksmithing and metalworking.
‘Softening the blow: Stories told with fire and steel,’ an exhibition curated by Sam Sherborne, the winner of The Cooper Prize, will be on display until Saturday, 29 March 2025, in the Sadler Room.
The exhibition will showcase over 20 unique sculptures, such as Sam’s award-winning sculpture ‘Staying Alive’, reflecting his own personal journey.
The other artworks on display have also been influenced by religious art as well as Sam’s personal stories and experiences as a blacksmith artist over the years. He describes his artworks as part machines for processing emotion and part figures for contemplation.
Sam dedicates a lot of his time to working from his forge in a converted pub’s beer cellar in Sheffield, creating very personal and memorable sculptures. He has previously taught Art and Design Technology to young people.
In October 2023, Sam received regional recognition by winning The Cooper Prize, South Yorkshire’s most prestigious art competition.
In a record-breaking year for entries, coupled with the quality of the work submitted, Sam’s artwork received critical acclaim, and he has been awarded with a solo exhibition this year.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It is great to welcome Sam Sherborne back to The Cooper Gallery. We are very fortunate to have such an extremely talented and an award-winning artist bring together an exhibition of outstanding and unique artwork right here in Barnsley. Across our venues, we want to deliver and showcase high-quality exhibitions, and this is no exception. Visitors will be able to explore an exciting array of steel sculptures that all tell a story about Sam’s own experiences and memories.”
Artist, Sam Sherborne, said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to The Cooper Gallery. Back in October 2023, I was pleasantly surprised to win The Cooper Prize, and it was great that people could see the value in my work."
For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.cooper-gallery.com/sam_sherborne. Before visiting, please check with the gallery for opening times.
Image Credit: Sam Walker
