Willow Bloomfield: Aeolian Vessel

Willow Bloomfield (b. 1996)

Originally trained in fine furniture woodworking, Willow discovered a passion for metalworking after participating in the King’s Foundation and QEST’s collaborative initiative, Building Arts Programme.

Willow creates organically forged metalwork, primarily sourcing copper from discarded hot water tanks from scrap yards, blending a playful, creative spirit with a deep observation and study of the natural world.​ Using traditional techniques such as hammer forming and repoussé, Willow’s process is experimental and research-driven, reviving the critically endangered craft of coppersmithing.

This work has been created using electrolysis, a process widely used in industrial metal recycling to reclaim and purify metals from waste. By immersing their work in an electrolyte bath and passing a low electrical current through it, scrap off-cuts are consumed, refined and grown into crystalline structures of pure elemental copper on the vessel’s surface over many months. This technique echoes the natural formation of native copper crystals found in the Earth’s crust, slowly growing under immense geological time and pressure.

Willow has developed a distinctive aesthetic language. Their work balances free artistic curiosity and craftsmanship to produce sculptural pieces and future heirlooms designed to delight for generations. In 2024, Willow was awarded the QEST Dalgleish Trust Emerging Maker in Metalwork, Vessel Raising & Sculpture.

"I am inspired by the beauty and complexity of the organic world. Through my work, I seek to express my curiosity about the forms and shapes of nature in beautifully unique, sculptural objects."

Shipping is calculated upon enquiry, please contact info@fendittongallery.com or complete the enquiry form with delivery address for a quote.

Collections are free of charge from 23 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST. Please contact us on info@fendittongallery.com to arrange a collection time. Please note, that not all artworks are stored on-site therefore an appointment must be made prior to collecting.

All works will be shipped via a Tracked and Signed for service. On dispatch you will be given a tracking number. You must be at home to receive and sign for the delivery. If you are not at home to receive the work of art, it is your responsibility to arrange a redelivery with the courier.

It may take up to 3 days for your work of art to be posted. If you need the work by a specific date, please let us know. Please allow 3 - 7 days for your artwork to be delivered. We are not responsible for delays outside of our control.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please notify us on info@fendittongallery.com. You must return the work within 14 days of receiving it.

The cost of returning the item is the responsibility of the purchaser. We recommend you use a signed-for delivery service to ensure it is not lost in transit. The original shipping cost is non-refundable.

The work of art must be returned in its original condition, in its original packaging, securely wrapped. Refunds will not be issued if we receive the item damaged.

If you have received an item that has been damaged, you must notify us by emailing info@fendittongallery.com within 24 hours of the delivery. Please include photographs of the packaging and damage to the work. Do not dispose of the damaged work of art or its packaging.