Description
English translation of sought-after classic German blacksmithing book.
(See Metzger’s two other books offered by Artisan: Pattern Book for Artist Blacksmiths, and Basics of Style for Artist Blacksmiths. Also see the 2 book set: Descriptive Drawing for Metalwork & Workbook for Descriptive Drawing).
In the early 1900s there was a rejection of Victorian style on the part of many creative blacksmiths. Led by Julius Schramm, some blacksmiths looked back to the ironwork of the Renaissance and the baroque periods. Franz Kuhn in Germany, and Francis Whitaker, in the United States both apprenticed with Schramm, and were strong influences in the rediscovery of the Renaissance.
Samuel Yellin, in his large Philadelphia shop, also looked to earlier periods, and worked with the tools, techniques, and traditions of the Renaissance.
Max Metzger saw the future of the blacksmith in this revival, and he supported the name “Artist-Blacksmith” to describe those doing creative work. Metzger said, “serious practice in freehand drawing is of basic importance” and asked that blacksmiths use the older traditions in original work.
You will find his teachings and ideas on these techniques in this book.
