|
Stan
Pike has worked as a blacksmith for the past 31years.
Stan produces unique pieces of ironwork, developing the
traditional blacksmithing skills which have made his work
collectable worldwide. From his own range of indoor
furniture to gates, railings, door
and fireside furniture, to
restoration work and special
commissions, Stan's talents are honed working with
iron, steel and other metals, surpassing the skill of
all but those from a bygone age.
Together
with the more widespread applications of drop-forging
and electric welding, the more demanding techniques of
fire welding and wrought ironwork are employed for decorative
and some utilitarian projects.
As
well as producing hand forged furniture Stan has worked
closely with architects and interior designers. His talents
are balanced by an understanding of the operational demands
of the design industry and the need to further the field
of design. By working closely with specialists he can
therefore translate their originality and imagination
into unique collections of iron work.
In
August 2001, the Queens Hall in Hexham hosted an exhibition
of Stan's work celebrating 20 years of blacksmithing.
The
exhibition followed Stan's progress from his early work
through to the special sculptures that have made him one
of Britain's foremost artisans in iron.
In
these days of inferior imports and component part furniture
- which has very little to do with quality and design
- it is encouraging to know that there are still people
who appreciate the virtues of fine craftsmanship and originality.
Craftsmen who create pieces which are note merely functional,
but are works of art. Stan remains very optimistic about
the future of ironwork.
A
small selection of past commissions include
Beamish
Museum, Northumberland National Parks, Eden District Council
Rivergreed Developments Durham City, Yuill Homes, Naworth
Castle, Queens Hall Hexham, British Airways, Cliveden
Taplow, Liberty London, Stephenson Railway Museum, Fordnal
Castle, Edinample Castle, Newcastle Borough Council
-
together
with a vast amount of special commissions from individuals. |
