Emerging Metalworker of the Year Award

Supported by Lucy and Laurence Butcher

This award celebrates an early-career heritage craftsperson (in the first five years of their professional practice) who has made an outstanding start to their metalworking career. The award winner will be highly skilled amongst their peers, whilst raising the perceived value of their craft through sharing and awareness raising. They will have given themselves a fantastic chance of achieving long-term success, perhaps overcoming disadvantage or setbacks along the way.

The award is open to practitioners of any craft that uses metal as its primary material. Examples include (but are not limited to) blacksmithing, coppersmithing, bronze casting, cutlery, silversmithing, brass instrument making etc.

Anyone, including the maker themselves, can nominate for this award. Finalists will be expected to attend the high-profile Winners’ Reception in November 2026.