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Stan
Pike has worked as a blacksmith for the past 29 years. 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.
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