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Author Archives: james
Wilde bridge
curved railings over a bridge
Posted in Architectural, Featured, Portfolio, Railings Comments closed
Welsh Porch
Decorative porch for a period house.
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The Bingham Hotel Signs
These rather lovely signs are based upon laurel leaves. Double sided and with the leaves eventually in gold they should make a stylish addition to this London hotel. This photo shows the final fit before painting. Some 200+ leaves were forged for this commission. Designed by Aloof design agency.
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hot fit
With all the components forged I had a final assembly with the central punched hole nice and hot, this ensured that the 2 wedges drifted out the slot to the perfect size.
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table forging
Amongst recent commissions and much stamping of feet as winter finally arrives, I have been busy making a table for our new office/showroom. Based on a trestle arrangement it uses fullered sections to allow for the bends, each upright is made out of one 3m piece of 40x30 so its heavy, I am going to use wedges to join the 2 pieces via a forged bar. The 60x20 slots were punched on the Massey. I think the table will have a thick glass top, that way you can see the wonders below.......
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Moody gates
One of three gates for this client.
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Hortus gate
Entrance to a contemporary folly
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What a folly
Having fitted the Hortus gate here's a pic of the location. It marks the entrance to a water folly with Koi carp swimming around your feet and water trickling down the walls and eventually climbing plants over the oak trusses. Truly original and very bonkers,
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from furnace to bucket
Mark II furnace is finally here, new and improved and much hotter. I have spent days making this, working out the doors mechanisms, fabricating the burner and casting the refractory. Anyway its been worth it, with a near fire welding heat and a bigger chamber capacity. We put it to work on these anchor motifs for the coxford public art project, these were textured and prepped ready to fire weld....
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Hortus gate
At the moment we are working on this pedestrian gate for a garden designer, forged tendrils, long tapers and wraps being the flavour of this blacksmithing recipe. in the background you can see the scale drawing that we will always work to, the other photo shows the components forged thus far awaiting assembly.
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Ribbon fire basket
designed to look fluid and elastic
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90 Collars
Works begun on the Coxford Road project, so far we have a wheel barrow full of collars and 90 odd tapered wraps. The collars are heated in the furnace and then forged around a mandrel under the power hammer, one or 2 of something is great but when you get to 90+ components you find the novelty wears off a bit...
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Hop gates
Hop leaf gates for a Sussex Oast House
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Final check for the Hop gates
All laid out for a final check before these rather lovely gates go off to be galvanised.
They are entirely traditionally made with no electric welds. The gates hang off existing victorian pintels so its rather crucial they fit my template.
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Ribbon Basket
A recent piece of work that plays around with metal in its elastic state.
I designed this for a commission but made one as a sample for the showroom.
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Stacks
Once components are forged I always like to play around with arrangements, stacks and repeat pattern...
these bits have just been worked to shape in the gas furnace.
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Hop Gate
Here's what I am working on at the moment, a set of double pedestrian gates for an Oast house in Kent, Hence the hop leaf detailing. The looped details are all fire welded together and forged under the power hammer...
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Two fires
Having had some time out this summer I have finally turned my old trusty single forge into 2, giving me greater scope to use the blacksmiths who help on bigger projects more efficiently.
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Rothschild bracket
A recent order for a signage bracket for Rothschilds bank in London. The massive scrolls are forged out of 50x25 and fixed together with long tapers that are countersunk and bolted. Overall the work is 2.5m long. Now its off to the painters.....
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Parvin entrance gates
Compliment an existing commission.
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New public art commission
I was recently selected to produce 26 meters of railing for a housing development in Southampton, having just completed the design phase I thought I'd post up the design. Its based on abstracted anchor parts and will frame either side of the access into the build. Due for completion early 2012.
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Up and running
The Massey was wired up last week and works an absolute treat which was a big relief as I had bought it blind having never seen it work. The power of it is really amazing, it makes my little sahinler feel very rough around the edges, the massey is far more controllable, good old 1950's British engineering.
I spent the day forging some massive scrolls for a sign in London out of 50x30, no problem now ......
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Massey install
After much talk, money and concrete the Massey finally made it into the workshop, but only just!
We had a few inches clearance on the loader and had to initially fork it in onto sleepers, lowering it down onto the bolts only once we had enough clearance. She looks big and dirty and I can't wait to get it wired up.......
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New dies
I have just got the final jigsaw piece for the Massey, these rather lovely new dies were EDM wire cut to the same profile as the existing top die. You can see from the top blank which is wastage the accuracy of the process, but the best bit is that the Electem die steel doesn't even need heat treating again afterwards.
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Parvin gates
Here's a photo of these entrance gates nearing completion, I am just forming the last wrap with the gas torch, then they are off to be galvanised.
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Nests
73 rings which I have rolled using my nice shiny new Italian machine. They are for an order for some tree guards but could equally be something sculptural.
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Phillips gate
contemporary forged entrance gates
Posted in Entrance gates, Gates, Portfolio Comments closed
Mulberry Place
Occasionally I make scrolls too...
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Acorn gate just complete
Just as the last rivet had cooled I took this photo. Its always good to know everything lines up. The gate has now been galvanised and is being powder coated a dark grey, my colour of the moment.
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Before and after…
After almost falling in the pit several times I thought it wise to get the concrete in. So much work and it all gets covered up! The hammer will be raised 140mm or so off ground level to give a more comfortable working height, the 30mm studs have been sleeved to allow some play. Once the concretes hard then comes the hammer!!!!
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Brochure launch
To coincide with the workshop move I have produced a little 8 page booklet which shows off some of our recent work, If you would like a copy please just drop me an e-mail.
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Ahh space!
After a long and very expensive month of moving I am finally working in the new forge. After years being cramped up it is great to have more space and I am really looking forward to using this for larger projects. The Massey foundation inches closer with the second pour of concrete penciled in for a week or so. Next job after that to turn the single hearth into two.......plus redecorate office, showroom and about 1000 other things.
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Moving the heavy stuff
Finally were off! I spent a long challenging day moving the heaviest bits of machinery with a Hiab, the Massey is inching closer to working and my large super heavy cast table is finally inside. As you can see work has begun on a very large hole that will form the basis of the power hammer foundation.
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Mulberry Place gates….
This very traditional commission is nearing completion, I am hoping to get this finished before the workshop move. This pair of forged pedestrian gates take their design lead from some existing gates on this Sussex property. Lots of tight scroll work, fire welded water leaves and a tennoned frame all make for gates with a distinctly traditional feel....
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Toomer fire basket
with hot punched holes and upset detail
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Strap hinges and gates
Lot's going on at the moment. These strap hinges caught my eye, nice neat fire welded detail, speaking of which you can also see a pair of backstiles for some lovely traditional pedestrian gates for a client in Horsham, Sussex. 40x20 fire welded onto a couple of bits of 40x10 and then scrolled up in the furnace....
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We are moving!!!!
As of February 2011 the forge will be moving some 6 miles to beautiful East Chilttington and taking over the premises of G.W Day who had been working there since 1950. The forge is much bigger, has a showroom and office and will allow me to continue to expand my business. Exciting times.......
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Up and coming….
Here's a commission that's coming up, having forged a pedestrian gate for this client I am now happily making some entrance gates to compliment them.
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Components for Brighton gates
A day spent forging the components for a set of entrance gates for a client near Brighton. Once again the combination of furnace and template make for much quicker working although it gets super hot in there...
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Allium gate
Forged electropolished stainless steel
Posted in Gates, Pedestrian gates, Portfolio Comments closed
Kabza gate
Gate with rings and lots of rivets.
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Gate details
Two gates that we have recently forged, both going off to the galvanisers tomorrow. This gate is more abstracted featuring broken rings that arc across the frame, the other photo shows the oak leaves and acorns that make up the other gate
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Fire welded Acorns
I spent the day making a sprung tool for forging large 55mm diameter acorns for a Oak themed contemporary gate commission. The acorns are collar welded under the power hammer and they look great! I am a firm believer in time spent making tooling as now I can forge the acorns in 10 mins or [...]
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Parvin Gate
with rivets, collars and wraps
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates, Portfolio Comments closed
Ardingly college Pelican unveiled
This giant bird was commissioned by the college and unveiled by the journalist and presenter Ian Hislop, an old boy of the Ardingly. The sculpture has pride of place and symbolises the pupils flying off to greater things. 2m wingspan forged and fabricated steel. I was especially pleased with the feet!
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New forged gate commission sneak peek
Here's the design for a lovely hand forged garden gate that is in the pipeline
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stainless gate awaits electropolish
At long last this commission is complete and awaits finishing, I have had to get up to speed on the possible finishes for stainless, deciding in the end to have the gate bead blasted and then electro polished, this should give a satin like polish while also giving maximum corrosive protection. Heres a pic of [...]
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New web site and hot stainless
Last week my new website was launched, the content has had a thorough overhall and redesign, enabling me to showcase recent commissions more clearly in the portfolio pages while maintaining a record of past work in the archive. Meanwhile In the forge I am working on a forged stainless steel gate commission. I have been [...]
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Wrap fire tools with dog
perfect for an inglenook fireplace
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Standard companion set
available in different options
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Big boy knocker
Beautifully simple contemporary door knocker
Posted in Archive, Door furniture, Interior Comments closed
Heart fire dogs and basket
with an art nouveau feel
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Greyfriars fire guard no.2
curved self supporting
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Greyfriars fire guard no.1
with woven stainless mesh
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Catalpa gate
Design inspired by nearby trees
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Spiral knocker and handle
galvanised and etched
Posted in Archive, Door furniture, Interior Comments closed
Painswick latch
gives a satisfying clunk
Posted in Door furniture, Interior, Portfolio Comments closed
Juliet balcony
with forged collar detail
Posted in Architectural, Archive, Balconies Comments closed
Honey handrail
designed to complimented the honey gate
Goff Panel
enclosing a courtyard
Posted in Architectural, Archive, Garden other, Railings Comments closed
Wilmington gate
design using repeat pattern
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Estate gate
a take on this classic design
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Heart gate
Entrance gates constructed of riveted plate.
Posted in Archive, Entrance gates, Gates Comments closed
Mills railing
Forged details combine to great effect
Posted in Architectural, Portfolio, Railings Comments closed
Tree seat
Ironwork seating to enrich your garden.
Withywindle salt rakes
A screen with a strong graphic design
Posted in Portfolio, Public Art Comments closed
Fernbank waterwheel
commissioned by W.M Morrisson supermarkets
Posted in Portfolio, Public Art Comments closed
Strap bench and gate
forged in complimentary designs
Honey gate
A traditionally made pedestrian gate
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Arched seed head gate
with large forged leaf detail
Posted in Archive, Gates, Pedestrian gates Comments closed
Sussex Lodge entrance gates
Automated with a nod to the arts and crafts.
Posted in Archive, Entrance gates, Gates Comments closed
Fernbank anvil
a sculpture of enormous metalworking tools
Posted in Portfolio, Public Art Comments closed
Galt fire basket
A contemporary forged fire basket
Posted in Archive, Fire tools, Interior Comments closed
Wrap fire tools
Curving up from a slate base
Posted in Fire tools, Interior, Portfolio Comments closed
Arc candlesticks
Pair of contemporary forged candlesticks
Ring candlesticks
With copper rivets and hot punched holes
Ripple pond covers
contemporary design inspired by the water
Posted in Garden, Garden other, Portfolio Comments closed
Seed head railing
Metalwork inspired by plant forms
Posted in Architectural, Archive, Railings Comments closed
Traditional forged bench
commemorative seating for 2 vilages.
Drewery railings
a curved run of railings with integral gate
Posted in Architectural, Archive, Railings Comments closed
Acorn door knocker
For a client with a woodland
Posted in Door furniture, Interior, Portfolio Comments closed
Bigges Farm balcony
Featuring an interwoven contemporary design
Posted in Architectural, Balconies, Portfolio Comments closed
White house balcony
Juliet balconies with a clean simple design
Posted in Architectural, Archive, Balconies Comments closed
Alderman railing
Forged railing with wiggle details
Posted in Architectural, Portfolio, Railings Comments closed
Crabtree Farm gates
Entrance gates with rivet plate detail
Posted in Archive, Entrance gates, Gates Comments closed
bigger power hammer…
I have just acquired a 2 cwt. massey clearspace, increasing the capacities I will be able to work.... Very exciting. I look forward to getting her working. Although no longer made they are widely regarded as one of the best power hammers out there.
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Fernbank public art commission fitted
After months of work the 9 panels were installed by a team of skilled craftsmen. The day started at 5.30am and we were on site until 6 pm, the scissor lift gave up the ghost at around 3pm leaving us to ingeniously install the last remaining panel, some 5 metres off the ground!! The panels [...]
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More Fernbank
Here's some more pics of this work in progress, 6 down, 3 panels to go..............
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Catalpa gate fitted
A lovely new piece of work recently fitted in Brighton, the gate takes its form from the nearby Catalpa tree, more info on this job in the gallery pages.
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Fernbank work in progress
Here's some photos of this project under construction, these photos show the second panel, the hooped design, under way. So far 2 panels are made with a further 7 to go. Bending 40x10 stainless on edge for the first panel design proved a little tricky but in the end we prevailed with superior fire power!
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New public art commission
I have just been appointed as the artist for an exciting public art commission in Crowborough. This involves the designing and forging of 9 wall mounted panels which draw upon the history of the area. These are to be mounted in the Fernbank centre and are a fantastic opportunity for exciting and creative work. watch [...]
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Forging 2009 and onwards
2008 is out of the way, lots of nice projects completed including a foray into the world of public art, the image to the right being part of this commision, more images from this project can be seen within my new public art pages within the gallery. Commissions underway include several gates both pedestrian and [...]
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Upcoming shows and exhibitions, dates etc.
I will be exhibiting at both the South of England show ( June 5/7) and the Edenbridge and Oxted show (Aug 28/29) as well as an exhibition at the Weald and Downland museum as part of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association's (BABA) AGM; this exhibition runs from the 24 July - 3 August. I shall also be exhibiting at several Sussex Guild shows throughout the year. [...]
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On site and balancing
I spent the day on site in Brighton fitting the art nouveau balcony. This turned out to be a fairly ambitious feat for one pair of Blacksmiths hands and involved a particularly perilous moment suspended over a drop clutching a balcony trying to get the returns in their holes and not get pulled over the edge, [...]
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Scrolls,scrolls,scrolls and a bit of site work
The art nouveau balustrade is finished, looks great and awaits the galvaniser, meanwhile onto the next job. This is a series of scrolls which interlock to form a repeat pattern for a series of step plates. I have spent the last couple of days forging the scroll dogs and drawing out 60+ tapers under the [...]
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Between furnace and forge ,
I started a new commission today, a lovely Art Nouveau style balustrade, lots of fire welded tulip leaf motifs. I have spent the day sandwiched between a roaring gas furnace and a raging coke forge, Its been a few weeks since I have had a day of solid fire-welding and I am always reminded the magic of it.Left [...]
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Hills fire dogs