A Forged Titanium bowl or other objet d'art signed "Vladimir" Corfe Castle 1986 is a combination of facts unusual for Dorset, or for that matter, anywhere; but life for this craftsman has been diferent from the beginning.

Born in Bohemia in 1934 of an English father and a Austro Czech mother, he came to England in 1939 spending the war years in Cornwall learning little else except a new language. At an early age his artistic nature was recognised by a grant to study drama and dance in London which was forshortened by military service. He was selected to fly as aircrew on maritime reconnaisance with the RAF and on completion of his tour of duty spent some time in Canada in aviation electronics.

Returning to Dorset in 1956 ,a 12 year period in commerce gave valuable business experience. In 1968 dissatisfaction with career prospects resulted in a major change of direction. Friendly with many local artists and craftsmen he was drawn in their direction and chose the relatively obscure art form of vitreous enamelling. Much research in Vienna the European centre for this art form resulted in several projects; to list just 2, the En Plein technique in the Faberge style, and the new use of a translucent glaze in a special deep technique on pure silver and gold.

In 1969 work was chosen for exhibition in the Design centre and a joint project with the Royal Appointed goldsmith Andrew Grima recieved an award in the Diamonds for today competition sponsored by DE Beers Ltd. Other work was selected for display at Goldsmiths Hall and for the Topham Trophy Competition.

The year 1972 resulted in a move to larger premises at Wytch Heath nr. Corfe Castle , where a derelicht smallholding was totally rebuilt to provide living and working space. This was a statement of the Angloslavonic background in keeping with the Renaissance view that the artist/craftsman's life and work was an integrated whole with his enviroment . This now ideal situation resulted in a 7 year period of exploration of the entire field of fine metalwork.

Drawn instinctively to the forging of metal and now limited by the rising costs of the noble metals, he investigated the non ferrous alloys. The bronzes in particular, were most responsive and this research culminated in a new range of forged jewellery reflecting the main historical periods. News of his work reached back to Bohemia, where enquiries discovered a long history of metal smithing in the family.

In 1981 the opportunity to work the newly available metal titanium arose. this presented many problems. The experience accumulated by this time, helped in resolving the technical difficulties. the V & A exhibition "Toward a new Iron Age" drew attention to the possibilities of larger work . Again a period of research preceded a new development, this time in bronze bowls and dishes. Titanium was also tried, it was found that with considerable extra force it would yield to the hammer.

Working largely instinctrively, the forms grow as the forging process takes place. the interaction of hand, eye and material results in the work that can be seen today.