Metal Works
By on Apr 07, 2008
Metal Works
Young artisans keep ancient art of metal forging alive
By Kerri Lawrence
Not just the purview of Middle Earth enthusiasts and antique weaponry collectors, custom metal furnishings are an interesting and beautiful décor option for the new homebuyer. Young craftspeople are keeping the ancient art of metal forging alive by custom creating an almost endless variety of pieces, suitable for any space and taste.
When you think of the term "wrought iron", you probably picture the old-world looking, black, curly metal trellises and patio furniture sold at your local big box store. This is not entirely correct. Although wrought iron has been used since Roman times to craft structural and decorative pieces, nowadays, the term is understood to mean any metal that is forged and shaped by hand, not mass-produced in moulds.
So why choose custom metal work for your new space? First, metal is incredibly versatile. It can be "wrought" into just about anything. Bed frames, tables, wine or pot racks, fireplace accessories, lamps, planters, etc. Not to mention larger items like sculptural pieces, room dividers, window bars, railings, and spiral staircases. And, contrary to what you might think, metal furnishings are surprisingly delicate?they do not overwhelm small spaces. Custom metal work will suit a variety of tastes, ranging from Celtic and gothic to art deco, art nouveau, and contemporary styles.
"A designer can achieve a far simpler, cleaner aesthetic using steel. Pieces become integral parts of the rooms they were designed around," says London-based metal artist, Rick Sturgeon.
Echoing that sentiment is artist Anthony Cateaux of Toronto: "My clients want iron work?they are familiar with the material, but they don?t want it to look average."
One of the most appealing aspects of custom iron work for both artists is the idea of the contrast between the hard, cold, raw material and the end result, which is elegant, flowing, and organic.
"I like to forge organic form and texture into pieces of lifeless material," says Cateaux. Sturgeon enjoys the challenge of softening metal through what he calls the "violent" hammering process.
On a recent visit to his studio, Cateaux walked me through the process of creating a custom iron piece. It begins with the consultation?a process that both artists agree is most valuable. After meeting with a client to determine their needs - be it a table, a planter, or wine rack - sketches are drawn up of the design and many options provided to the client, all based on their specific wishes and the space available. Once a design is agreed upon, the forging begins.
Steel rods are heated in a gas powered forge to temperatures above 900ºC. When they become white hot, they are shaped by hammer blows and by bending them on an anvil (which looks reassuringly like the ones in cartoons!). After trying to bend a piece myself, I was surprised at not only the strength required, but the precision needed to create intricate shapes. The metal cools rapidly?within minutes, so Cateaux must work quickly.
Speed is of the essence continues Sturgeon: "Working with steel allows for little room for error in the finished piece." Interestingly, he uses a method of cold forging, meaning he hammers the pieces of steel without heating them.
After forging, the pieces are welded together to complete the item. They are then finished?Anthony uses either beeswax for indoor items or a zinc coating for outdoor pieces. The zinc provides a degree of rust proofing without obscuring the fine detail of the piece. Rick also utilizes a clear enamel finish technique which retains the rough hammered look of the forged steel but also catches the light and becomes "smooth to the touch, rough to the eye."
In terms of pricing, both artists say that although the raw steel itself is relatively inexpensive, the time involved in consulting, sketching, and forging drives the cost of custom pieces higher than those of mass-produced items. Depending on the scope of the project, the process from design to fabrication, could take anywhere from two weeks to many months. For example, Cateaux's prices run from $2,000 to $4,000 for an intricate table design that takes him hundreds of hours to complete. Sturgeon's most basic steel and glass tables start at $450 and more complicated projects are priced accordingly. A small price to pay for a unique, custom-fitted item that will last generations.
Iron Asides
A bit about the history of wrought iron. Ornate railings dating from the 13th century can still be seen in Westminster Abbey. An 18th century craze for French style baroque gates and railings in the UK resulted in an increase in the amount of blacksmiths devoted to the craft of custom metal forging.
Wrought iron will last for decades with almost no special care. Pieces left outdoors will develop a lovely patina over time. Complete rust proofing is impossible, but Sturgeon likes the idea of an outdoor piece "evolving with your garden".
Solutions for small spaces?consider a custom size metal wine or pot rack that will fit into a little-used niche to maximize your storage space.
You will recognize authentic vintage wrought ironwork if there are visible hammer marks and tight scrolls and curls. Cast metal pieces will often feature repetitive patterns easily made with moulds and will be considerably less detailed.
Many interior designers can help you find a custom metal artist by supplying references, or if you find a store selling handmade pieces, inquire about the artist that made it.
To contact Rick Sturgeon of Metal In Fusion, call 519-453-7865. Anthony Cateaux of AC Designs Ironwork can be reached at 416-949-4488 or on line at http://www.acdesignsironwork.com.
