HDK-Valand revives the blacksmithing tradition

Traditionally, grave crosses and other metal markers forged by local blacksmiths have played an important role in mourning and remembrance practices across the world – not least in Sweden. These traditions have been key to building strong cultural identities and supporting local economies. They have also been part of a small-scale, local production system that, in many ways, is more environmentally sustainable than large-scale industrial manufacturing and global transport of materials and goods.

– Commissioning a blacksmith to create a memorial offers a unique opportunity to honour a person with a deeply personal marker – one that reflects the individual's character, interests, or ties to family, place, or faith. In this process, the blacksmith is not only a skilled artisan but also an artist, working closely with the bereaved to interpret their wishes, says Heiner Zimmermann, professor in Craft and teacher at the Metal Art programme at HDK-Valand Campus Steneby.

In recent decades, global industry has largely pushed blacksmiths out of this area. At the same time, digital memorials and online tributes have become increasingly common, often replacing or complementing physical markers.

– This shift has led to the loss of regional customs, cultures, and traditions. We live in a rapidly changing society that challenges traditional crafts such as blacksmithing – a demanding, hands-on profession that is at risk of disappearing without active efforts to preserve it, says Tobias Birgersson, senior lecturer and teacher at the Metal Art programme at HDK-Valand Campus Steneby.

A growing need to renew rituals 

In October, HDK-Valand’s Steneby campus will host a conference focusing on sustainable, innovative, and meaningful grave markers crafted by local blacksmiths. The conference is part of IronNotes, a European collaboration that brings together metalworkers, educators, and cultural institutions from Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, and Sweden.

This autumn also marks the launch of an open call for anyone working with metal – including blacksmiths, metal artists, casters, designers, students, and apprentices.

– In light of today’s challenges, there is a growing need to renew rituals. We believe that traditional blacksmithing can offer innovative concepts that respond to modern needs – through reuse, digital tools, or collaborative design. With this open call, we are looking for new ways to connect traditional craft with contemporary life, says Tobias Birgersson.

Each partner institution within IronNotes brings a unique perspective. At HDK-Valand, the focus is specifically on grave markers, and the school is running its own research project titled IronNote: Grave Marker as part of the wider initiative.

– We are exploring how blacksmiths can once again collaborate with local cemeteries. In recent years, grave marker studies have become an integral part of our metal art programmes at Steneby. For example, we work with the cemetery in Trollhättan, where students' works are on permanent display. This kind of engagement helps students understand how traditional skills can be adapted to contemporary needs – and hopefully ensures a future for the field, says Heiner Zimmermann.