In 2012, David Snoo Wilson started Bristol-based travelling foundry Ore and Ingot, sharing and teaching metal casting and taking commissions. He also became a scholar of The Queen Elizabeth Trust (QEST)

In keeping with his aim to preserve traditional arts in contemporary practice, David used his QEST Scholarship to question the folklore of bell founding, researching how different alloys and casting techniques affect harmonics.

Did anything in particular inspire you to start your craft?

It happened by accident through teaching, I was inspired by the look in the students eyes seeing molten bronze for the first time.

How would you describe your craft?

Bell casting Art casting.

How long have you been doing it?

12 years bronze casting 7 years Bell casting.

What are the biggest challenges you face in what you do?

Securing work flow.

What is your favourite part about what you do?

Teaching Making the highest quality objects.

Where did you learn the skills required for your role?

I mostly taught myself and Marcus VergeXe.

How would you describe a day in your role?

I do so many things in a day and very few are typical.

How would you describe your company/business in 3 words?

Niche, castings, galore.

How have you stayed passionate and inspired by your craft?

By trying to push technologies not usually utilised in what I do.

Do you work with any other craftsmen/women to create your products?

Yes many.

What are the main projects you are working on now?

A miniature harmonic cannon.

How does working with Qest support you/your craft?

They are very good at promoting what you do.

How would you describe John Smedley?

Long term excellence in the wool trade.

Do you have a favourite John Smedley piece, if so what?

Crowford In Bordeaux.

Related Articles

235 / February 3, 2020
Kayo Saito studied metal work at Japanese Art College and finished a masters at the Royal College of Art in…
235 / January 13, 2020
Candice originally trained as a graphic designer, she left this previous career and acquired her skills as a…
235 / November 12, 2019
Inspired by snowy nights, roaring fires and the John Smedley family gathering for Christmas, this season the John…