About Us
Architectual & Sculptural Metalwork
CB Arts Director and Founder Chris Brammall is highly regarded as one of the leading metalworkers in the UK.
A veteran artist blacksmith Chris originally worked from a small traditional forge in the heart of the Lake District before building his own much larger modern studio and workshop in Ulverston, Cumbria.
Today CB Arts employ a team of talented craftsmen each sharing the same passion and creative flair for creating amazing metalwork.
Chris Brammall doing what he does best, here in the Lake District!
Our Story
From an early age Chris was always making things, greatly inspired by his dad who was a builder. He originally thought he would be a furniture maker but after stumbling across a blacksmith course he decided to give it a go. It proved a game changer and Chris went on to train at Hereford College of Art and Design where he discovered a natural affinity for the art of blacksmithing, Chris had found a medium to express his designs and creativity. Chris grew up in the Lake District surrounded by the landscapes which have inspired so many artists and to which he also feels a connection. Now after 25 years in business his most iconic works can be found in public spaces and at private residences throughout the UK.
When not in the studio designing or building in the workshop Chris can be found on the highest peaks absorbing the breath-taking natural beauty of the landscape. He has a passion for the mountains and valleys of the Lake District which he draws inspiration from; the scale, light, texture and colour are the raw building blocks behind his design process. His approach to projects is very site specific, also drawing inspiration from the surroundings the work will be in, from urban and architectural to rural and natural. It’s these elements which gives his work a sense of place, a connection and a link to its surroundings. As well as in-house design, Chris works alongside some of the best designers, artists, landscape architects and engineers from around the UK. Chris brings extensive build knowledge and skill to the design table to help clients realise their vision and has become the go to metalworker of choice for many. Notably Chris collaborated with jewellery designer Shaun Leane to design develop the exterior façade of 21 Young Street, London, artist Stephen Broadbent on The Shell at Thornton Cleveleys and Planit-ie Landscape Architects on the NOMA scheme in Manchester.
CB Arts offer a full service from design through fabrication and installation. Chris has built a team of talented craftsmen which share his passion and are experienced in using traditional and modern techniques, materials and finishes to create work of the highest standard. All pieces are fabricated in-house in our purpose built 750sqm workshop which also includes a finishing booth. Chris and the team are skilled in using a mix of materials. We have built pieces in steel, Corten, stainless steel, bronze, aluminium amongst others. Installation of all commissions is managed by ourselves and carried out by our team. All site operations are conducted in accordance with the current Construction (Design and Management) Act and our craftspeople are CSCS accredited. We have a trusted network of associates including engineers and hauliers who we call upon when required. The process of keeping everything in house ensures that we are able to apply the same level of quality as seen in the design stage through the build process and onto site ensuring a first-class service from start to finish.
