Exhibition
Forged In Time
30 May – 19 July 2024
Forged in Time: A Celebration of John Creed
This exhibition celebrates the illustrious career of John Creed, a master silversmith and blacksmith. It coincides with the conferring of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow on behalf of The Glasgow School of Art, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and his enduring connection to The Glasgow School of Art.
Creed’s journey into metalwork began with his studies at Liverpool College of Art, followed by his work in the silversmithing industry in Sheffield. He started his own practice in Yorkshire before moving to Glasgow, where he taught at GSA from 1971 to 1995. Sabbaticals to study blacksmithing in America and the UK further evolved his practice. In 1988, he established a full-time blacksmith studio near Glasgow, where he continues to create, inspire, and share his deep knowledge and passion for the craft.
Creed’s work is exhibited in prominent museums and galleries such as Contemporary Applied Arts in London and the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. His notable commissions include pieces for The Vatican, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London, and the National Museum of Scotland. His public art includes the iconic screen gates at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and demonstrates his significant contribution to Glasgow’s cultural landscape.
In 1991, Creed reconstructed the 2,000-year-old Celtic war horn, the Carnyx, for the National Museums of Scotland. This project led to a fruitful collaboration with trombonist John Kenny and their participation in the European Music Archaeology Project, blending historical research with artistic innovation.
Creed’s pioneering approach to metalwork spans from traditional hot forging to advanced technologies, often combining metals and materials. His portfolio includes a wide range of works, from small, intricate pieces to large-scale architectural projects, showcasing his inventive spirit and serving as a testament to his lifelong commitment to education in the arts.
With special thanks to David Cairns, Anna Gordon, Stella Hook, Michael Hutchinson, Thomas Jacobi, John Kenny, Helen Victoria Murray, Silvia Weidenbach.
The exhibition is displayed at Window on Heritage in the Reid Building.
Opening Dates:
30 May – 9 June, Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
10 June – 19 July, Wednesday-Friday, 10am-4pm.