The Contemporary Blacksmith

by Dona Z. Meilach

Overview

This important new book tackles the burgeoning revival of the blacksmith's art. Author Dona Meilach has brought together over 500 works by nearly 200 artist-craftsmen from sixteen countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork that has led to its blossoming into a serious art form. You'll learn several techniques using hot and cold forming with the results clearly shown. You'll be able to recognize how a fence, railing, grille, table, chair, knife, and other items evolve, and better appreciate their design and workmanship. Each chapter provides background for the type of objects shown— architectural ironwork, sculpture, furniture, containers and vessels, lighting fixtures and candleholders, fireplace accessories, wind vanes, household and liturgical items, and the incredible knives made of Damascus steel. You'll find ample information for how and where to begin your own study in this extensive resource list of organizations, Internet sources, publications, museums, and educational opportunities. The Contemporary Blacksmith** undoubtedly should be found in the libraries of every metalworker, art educator, architect, interior designer, ironwares collector, and crafts person.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764311062
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	04/30/2000
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dona Z. Meilach is the author of over forty books on art-craft related topics including metal, stone, wood, fibers, collage, printmaking, and others. Dona holds a Master's Degree in Art History from Northwestern University, has created art in many media, and taught art and art history.

Table of Contents

	Preface	v
Chapter 1	The Artist Blacksmith: Past and Present	9
	Art Nouveau Influences	10
	Europe: Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany	10
	America	15
	The Next Wave	18
	Another 25 Years	20
	Who Is Making Blacksmithing History Today?	24
	The Blacksmith's Materials	26
	Iron	26
	Steel	27
	Non-Ferrous Metals	27
	Finishes and Maintenance	28
	Touchmarks	28
	The Blacksmith, The Internet, and Computers	29
Chapter 2	Tools, Techniques, and Safety Cautions	31
	Safety	32
	The Forge	32
	The Anvil and Its Tools	33
	Hammers, Tongs, Punches, and Other Tools	33
	Mechanical Tools	34
	Planning	35
	Hot Shaping	37
	Cold Shaping	42
	Joining	44
Chapter 3	Architectural Ironwork	51
	Fences, Railings, Grilles, Dividers	67
	Doors and Door Hardware	81
Chapter 4	Sculpture	91
	Public Art	106
	Figurative Sculptures	116
	Animals, Flowers, and Objects	128
Chapter 5	Vessels and Containers	141
Chapter 6	Furniture	155
Chapter 7	Lighting	177
Chapter 8	Fireplace Accessories	197
Chapter 9	Specialty Objects	215
Chapter 10	Blade Smithing	231
	Introduction
Chapter 11	It Is Said ... Artist's Statements	241
	Appendix	251
A.	Bibliography and Selected Readings	251
B.	Resources	251
	Organizations	251
	Internet Resources	252
	Touchmark Registration	252
	Museums	252
	Education Opportunities	252
	Publications	253
C.	Suppliers	253
	Index	255

Editorial Reviews

Meilach (author of 40-plus books on art-craft related topics) brings together over 500 works by about 200 artist-craftsmen from 16 countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork. By delving into historical background, introducing some of the men and women who are fascinated by smithing, and describing several techniques, she shows how metal work has blossomed into a serious art form over the past 25 years. In each chapter, she provides background for the types of objects shown, and she concludes with a section of statements from almost all the artists represented. Beautifully illustrated with color illustrations of unique objects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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