About Grace Forge
Rooted in the wild beauty of Cumbria and the Lake District, our creativity is shaped by the land itself. The rugged contours and refined grace of the landscape echo through our forged forms, each piece a celebration of nature’s strength, balance, and effortless elegance.
In 2018 Ellie opened Grace Forge in the old coach house of the Historic Brougham Hall, near Penrith. From here Ellie and her team love working with clients from across the UK, to realise the bespoke ideas they bring. We believe metalwork becomes an heirloom, designed for the client and enjoyed by generations after.
Ellie Barden
Director and Lead Artist Blacksmith
Ellie Barden is a blacksmith and artist who weaves traditional metalworking skills with contemporary artistry, to create bespoke and functional works of art.
Born in Cumbria, Ellie completed her apprenticeship in blacksmithing and fabrication with renowned designer and metalworker Chris Brammall in Ulverston in 2015. She then further developed her craft working with award winning sculptor Andrew Kay.
Ellie recently “accidentally” adopted her third dog Montague (more often referred to as Monty or Goop). If you visit Brougham Hall, no doubt you’ll meet the three legged terrier galavanting around the grounds with his adopted brothers Todd (collie) and George (labrador).
If you're interested in purchasing or commissioning from us, complete the form with a few details about your project or idea.
We look forward to chatting with you soon.
" When we wanted to add a bird feeder for our garden, I was keen to have something in keeping with our surroundings, and not just a standard shop-bought one. We knew of Ellie's work through her mum, and the end result is just perfect - a tree sculpted in steel, with copper leaves, both of which are weathering beautifully into browns and greens, in keeping with the landscape around us. Ellie transported the tree down from her forge and installed it for us.
It is exactly what I hoped it would be.”
— Sheree