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Stan Pike
has worked as a blacksmith for the past 28 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 his own range of 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, Neworth 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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