BLACKSMITHING NEWS

Iron Roses for Norway

Blacksmiths from Herefordshire College of Technology are taking part in a global project to honour the victims of the unimaginable violence in Oslo in July 2011. Founded by Artist Blacksmiths, Tone Mørk Karlsrud and Tobbe Malm, the project came to the College after one of the course’s Norwegian students, Sigbjoern Lundesgaard did his work experience with Tone during his holidays.
The project launched an international appeal to blacksmiths to show their support and compassion to victims of the tragedy and people of Norway by making roses made from iron. In the days that followed the July atrocity, the streets of Oslo were covered with roses as people mourned the loss of life. Some 150,000 people carried roses when they took part in a march in Oslo three days after the killings to show their solidarity with those who died.
Sigbjoern commented: 'There is quite a strong community amongst blacksmiths around the world and when I mentioned it to our tutor he thought it was a great idea to be involved. The roses were interesting to make and we know that some of the victim’s families have been making them as well. The idea behind the project is for people to reflect on the feelings of solidarity after the tragedy and I think that is really important.'
Course Tutor, Chris Blythman said: 'Tone is an ex-student of ours and when we heard she was creating this sculpture we were eager to contribute, especially as we have such an international cohort of students many of whom are the same age of those who died. The 31 roses the group has made are beautiful; each one unique and very much reflects its maker. Each series of petals was profile-cut, shaped to fit a forged stem then finished with a gas torch. A big thanks to Hereford-based company, Elmbridge who did our profile-cutting for the project.'
Now completed, the roses will become part of some 500 roses that will be used to create the permanent memorial to those who died. Tone commented: 'The monument will consist of a globe which symbolises the global support that people around the world gave to Norway and it will also show the sculpture has been made with help and love from blacksmiths all over the world.'

 

Printed on Page 32 of Forge Magazine June 2012

 

Northamptonshire Blacksmith handbuilding tower clock to celebrate Queen's Jubilee

'and because man is for ever fascinated by that which he can create with his own hands the essence of the arts will for ever exist'

This year is set to be an historic year, with the Olympics coming to London and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Diamond Jubilee. However, one man is commemorating the occasion in truly timeless fashion by making a tower clock entirely by hand, as if it were being built in an era before electricity.
Northamptonshire blacksmith, Martin Rowling, is unveiling his masterpiece on June 9 to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, harking back to Queen Victoria's own Diamond Jubilee in 1897 when many public clocks were erected across the country.
Martin Rowling previously ran local blacksmithing business, Culworth Forge, for 38 years before retiring in 2007. However, rather than enjoy a well-earned rest, he has dedicated the past few years to completing this Jubilee project.
The clock has been made without a single mechanical tool being used, using only techniques and tools used 200 years ago, and will have a unique feature in its six-hour dial rather than the 12-hour version that we are accustomed to.
The Jubilee Clock will sit proudly on the gable end of the same Forge in which it is being created, giving the time to one and all as they pass through the village of Culworth, as well as serving as a reminder to Queen Elizabeth's own endurance on the throne.

Printed on Page 34 of Forge Magazine June 2012

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