Hereford Anvils at the Fresh Air Sculpture Exhibition

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

Published

24th June 2026
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The Degree in Artist Blacksmithing and the Master’s Programme in Forged Metal Arts at Hereford College of Arts were delighted to participate in the final Fresh Air Sculpture Show.

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Fresh Air Sculpture was launched in 1992 by Lucy Abel Smith and her late husband David as a biennial exhibition celebrating contemporary art held in the expansive organic garden of The Old Rectory in the Cotswold village of Quenington. Following David’s recent passing, the family and trust decided that 2026 would be the final event.

Fresh Air Sculpture gathers over 130 contemporary pieces of outside sculpture together, many of which have been created specifically for the gardens. The excitement of Fresh Air Sculpture is the huge diversity of materials exploring a range of media: from stone to textiles, ceramic to glass, sound to video, mosaic to metals, rubber to resin. Monumental pieces sit alongside smaller works in a beautiful riverside setting. The show affords a unique opportunity to see a varied mixture of traditional, modern and cutting-edge sculpture in a stunning outdoor setting that boasts hidden walkways, delightful pergolas, stunning flower beds and impressive vegetable gardens and greenhouses.

Fresh Air Sculpture has been a remarkable champion of emerging talent for more than three decades. We have been proud to be part of eight editions, and this year especially proud to see students exhibiting in the final exhibition. The private view was a joyful and moving occasion, and a special moment to celebrate the students, their work, and all that this extraordinary event has meant over the years. It has been a true honour to be invited into this community time and again, and we remain deeply grateful to have been part of such an extraordinary story.
Del Done MBE,CWCB, HCA Head of School or Materials and Design

Producing a sculpture for Fresh Air has been a brilliant experience. Being able to display my work at such a prestigious event has opened new avenues for me. Having my sculpture alongside my peers and other well-renowned sculptures for the duration of this event has left me inspired and feeling confident about the future and the direction I'd like to take my work in. The support of the college tutors has been instrumental throughout all of this, helping push me creatively and practically in the run-up to this event and generally during my time at HCA.
Jack Kerswill, Artist Blacksmithing degree student

Fresh Air was an excellent opportunity to prove myself as an artist in a very professional setting. It feels incredible and surreal that, after 2 years of forging sculptures, my work is on display in the Cotswolds for such a huge audience. Fresh Air themselves were very welcoming and supportive about my project and invited myself and other aspiring blacksmiths to the opening night for a wholesome evening of music and drinks to celebrate everyone's achievements.
Henry Bircham, Artist Blacksmithing degree student

Fresh Air Bran Davies Taraxacum Dispersal

Having exhibited at Fresh Air two years prior with HCA it was lovely returning and exhibiting again as part of the final event. In being offered the opportunity to exhibit, I revisited some of my past larger-scale sculptural explorations, reflecting on the designs and concept to take work fitting of the beautiful gardens and ground. The pieces I took had previously been designed for an indoor setting, so I went through and reworked the design to be suitable for an outdoor garden. I intentionally rusted the surface which was a success and gave a more organic aesthetic that worked well with the design and the outdoor location.
Brân Davies, Forged Metal Arts masters student