Moray MacPhail

BronzeWork

Bronzesmith

©Eric Orme

New avenues in bronze

Moray collaborates with many sectors
He creates bespoke solutions for his clients
He combines traditional skills with new technologies

“This is what can happen if you stay curious - beware!”, warned Moray MacPhail jokingly but with an edge of seriousness. MacPhail is an engineer, craftsperson and businessman, combining all three to meet the complex needs of his clients. Starting out as an apprentice blacksmith, he then went on to train as a naval architect. This balance of art and science is still a huge influence in his metal work. He makes pieces for cathedrals, castles, boats and private commissions. His openness to continuously adapting has meant he has incorporated new technologies into his practice. He disagrees with the idea that technologies are the death of craftsmanship, rather he thinks they open up whole new avenues.

Interview

©Eric Orme

©Eric Orme

When did you decide to pick up this craft?: As with most things working in bronze happened by accident. Unable to buy what was needed for old boats, I started making hardware and fittings in bronze. Over the years the skills accumulated were transferred to the work I do today.
What is special about the material you work with?: It doesn’t matter how long I work with bronze; I still get excited when a batch of castings arrive, or when some bits of dull sheet metal spring to life. It is very tactile, and it’s great to work with a material which will last for decades if not centuries.
How does the collaborative process work?: I’m an engineer at heart, and engineers tend to worry about the insides of objects; the way things work, how they are made. Architects and designers tend to worry about the outside – together we create solutions neither of us could achieve independently.
What does "well made" mean to you?: For everyday items, I feel strongly that they should be designed for repair or upgrade. In my view, items which cannot be repaired are not well made, and are an irresponsible use of resources. I hope we have not permanently lost the skills needed for repair.

Moray MacPhail is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1974