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Blacksmiths' Australian project shortlisted for prestigious award

West Country Blacksmiths are proud to announce that their project to produce three sets of bespoke gates for a property in rural New South Wales, Australia, has been shortlisted for the 2025 GAGA Construction Awards in both the Artistic Work and Detail categories.

This unique commission brought together a collaborative group of class-leading, Exmoor-based blacksmiths to design and create three sets of bespoke gates for a private client in rural New South Wales.

Although based more than 10,000 miles away, the client was an admirer of the work of renowned retired artist-blacksmith James Horrobin and commissioned a collaboration between James Horrobin, Dominic Hesp, and the craftsmen of West Country Blacksmiths.

The gates were handcrafted from steel at West Country Blacksmiths’ historic National Trust-owned forge on the edge of Exmoor. They were galvanized for maximum protection against rust and finished with a durable paint system. Select design elements were gilded with 23-carat gold leaf by Gabrielle Horrobin, adding a refined, timeless detail to the final pieces.

After completion, the gates were carefully shipped to the property in rural New South Wales, where they were installed by local tradespeople.

The GAGA Awards, a UK-based program, recognise the outstanding contributions made to society and public spaces by UK companies both nationally and internationally.

To view the shortlisted projects, please visit: www.gaga2025.galvanizing.org.uk/shortlist

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