
Originally from Poland, I moved to the UK 21 years ago. I built a successful career as a middle manager in the retail industry, but despite its security, I felt increasingly drawn towards a more creative and purposeful path. I wanted to make something tangible—work that would endure and carry meaning.
Having always enjoyed working with my hands, discovering the blacksmithing course at Hereford College of Arts felt like a turning point. I left my career in retail behind and dedicated myself to learning the craft, embracing the challenge of transforming raw steel into functional and sculptural forms.
Today, I have returned to Poland to begin a new chapter in my journey. Working from my own workshop, I continue to develop my practice, combining traditional blacksmithing techniques with contemporary design. Every piece I create reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, honesty of materials, and the enduring beauty of handmade work.
Since then, I have produced a series of superb artisanal tools and knives, utilising age-old skills to craft modern objects of desire. My inspiration comes from the history and the traditional methods, getting to grips with hammer, tongs, and fire. Having these skills has paid off more than a career in retail ever would.
Awards:
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2020 QEST Scholar https://www.qest.org.uk/alumni/leszek-sikon/
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2020 Craft Council Hothouse https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/hothouse/
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2018 Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Bronze Award https://www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk/page/competition/
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2017 New Designers “Best Design of the Year” runner-up award https://www.newdesigners.com/awards/
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2017 Emley Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement
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2017 The Goldsmith Centre “Talent Spotted” http://www.goldsmiths-centre.org/news/news-rising-stars-spotted-new-designers-2017/
Publications:
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2020 "Homes & Gardens Magazine - One to watch" https://www.homesandgardens.com/
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2018 “Craft Magazine - Design on cutting edge” https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/articles/design-at-the-cutting-edge
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2018 “Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine Issue 2” https://www.altiba9.com/art-magazine
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2016 “Hephaistos” https://www.metall-aktiv.de/news/aktuelle-meldungen/1814-vorschau-hephaistos-ausgabe-7-8-2016.html
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2017 “Forge” catalogue Ruthin
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2017 “San Miguel Rich List”
https://www.sanmiguel.com/en/richlist/
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2017 “Evening Standard” Timeless Toolmaker
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2017 “Craft Magazine”
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2017 “Anvils Ring” Forge: an Exhibition of Artist Blacksmith
Exhibition:
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2024 Homo Faber: The Journey of Lifehttps://2024.homofaber.com/
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2021 Monochrome, Ruthin Craft Centre
http://ruthincraftcentre.org.uk/exhibitions/monochrome/
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2019 Useful/Beautiful Harewood House, UK https://biennial.harewood.org/
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2017/2018 “Forge” touring exhibition, UK, Austria, USA
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2016 “Transition” Ypres, Belgium
