James Price, Sussex based Blacksmith & Designer

I work to commission for a wide range of clients, ranging from architects and designers to private individuals. Below you will find a summary of how this process usually works.

 With any initial enquiry I try to give you as the client an estimated cost as early in the process as possible. Providing this estimate is within your budget I will go on to develop designs based on the  commissions brief. A site visit may also be necessary depending on the nature of the work, this is useful as it not only gives us a chance to talk about the project but also gives me an architectural context for the proposed work. 

 Over the years I have built up a large archive of original ironwork designs, the result of many late nights at the drawing board. This collection has proved invaluable both as a resource for clients and as a way of coming up with original ideas.

As soon as drawings are developed, quotations are given for each design to allow for comparison.

 Once designs have been agreed it is into the forge where all the work is made at the anvil; in contrast to so much “wrought ironwork” that often comprises of bought in components welded together that have never been near a fire. Ancient forgework techniques such as upsetting, fire welding and riveting are all combined within my work.

 Not only do I design and forge commissions but I offer a complete bespoke service which includes site fitting and finishing, I  also advise on the most suitable finish for the ironwork, be it zinc spray, galvanized, wet-painted or powder coated.

 By designing, forging and making each part I strongly believe that my work has a unity and wholeness, while at the same time managing to keep these traditional skills alive.