An exhibition of forged ironwork by members of the British Artist Association, opened last week at the Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead, Surrey. Many of the artists admit to being fascinated by iron. Unlike most metals, which are relatively malleable when cold, iron and steel are a tougher, more demanding medium. Susan May, a jeweller by training, says, 'It's quite magical, because it's incredibly soft when it's hot, but as soon as it cools down, it becomes really rigid and immovable again.' Ann Evans' mild steel door knockers and handles seem to have been inspired by those bleak castles that are a stock feature of door. One of her designs is like a ball and chain, another like a Celtic cross. I love the fact that steel is cold and hard, she says. And the way it feels as though it's there forever. No other base metal can have given man as much visual pleasure, or a greater feeling of security. The chances of iron being used decoratively for the next thousand years are good, to say the least — as long as we don't have to look at any more rusty candlesticks, that is. Thankfully, alternatives exist and a series of events over the next few weeks aims to promote the blacksmith's craft. The first of these, an exhibition of forged ironwork by members of the British Artist Association, opened last week at the Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead, Surrey.