Health Ordeal Inspires Award-Winning Art by Sheffield Blacksmith

A significant health crisis motivated a Sheffield artist to produce a collection of acclaimed sculptures, now featured in a new exhibition. Sam Sherborne, aged 62, recovered from an infection following prostate cancer surgery four years prior. The blacksmith, who crafted his works in his forge located in the beer cellar of a disused pub, is currently exhibiting pieces influenced by this health challenge at Barnsley’s Cooper Gallery. He stated, “Making these things took a long, long time and if I was making them for a trivial reason I would have struggled to put the hours into making them that I did.” Although Mr. Sherborne’s 2020 surgery successfully eradicated the cancer, he experienced significant blood loss and his health deteriorated in the subsequent days. Medical professionals were uncertain if he was suffering from sepsis or pneumonia, as antibiotics and other therapies proved ineffective. However, he recounted that a surgeon intervened on a day off to “shake things up,” initiating his recovery. One sculpture, titled Sulky Arrogant Saves My Life, reflects his initial perception of the surgeon’s demeanor. He commented, “I found him sulky and arrogant. Now I realise he was probably just overworked.” Mr. Sherborne produces his sculptures in the cellar of the former Vulcan pub, situated in north-east Sheffield. This establishment ceased operations in the early 1970s and was nearly obliterated by a gas explosion a few years thereafter. The artist, a native of Bristol, was awarded the regional Cooper Prize for his creations last year. He stated that his ailment served as the “driving force” for his recent artistic endeavors. He further remarked, “Rather than feeling bitterness, I was able to process the experience and now overall I’m grateful.” The exhibition showcases five works that chronicle Mr. Sherborne’s illness, with one piece named Staying Alive. Mr. Sherborne explained that by using the Bee Gees’ song title, he aimed to “bring some levity” to the circumstances. Additional pieces explore his upbringing in a “dysfunctional family” and his perspectives on topics such as climate change. He also commented, “Even with the autobiographical pieces, the stories behind them are universal. “People can sometimes feel like they’re the only person in the world who has experienced something out of the ordinary, but hopefully art helps to show lots of people have been through this.” The exhibition commenced on 2 November and is scheduled to conclude at the end of March.