COMMISSIONS

A black background with a simple diagram of a process, showing two orange diamonds connected vertically by a gray arrow pointing downward. There is a white horizontal line at the bottom.

Our passion is in traditional forging techniques combined with contemporary design. We truly enjoy the creative opportunities that each project brings. Collaborating with architects, interior designers, and private clients we highly value design and offer exceptional craftsmanship.

All of our work is created by hand at our forge - Work of Iron at The Pitt in North Edinburgh. To help you formulate your inquiry, please carefully follow the detailed guidance provided on this page.

We offer different types of commissions for various projects, each tailored to specific client needs. Here are some of our services.

Architectural Ironwork

● Gates & Railings ● Handrails & Balustrades ● Well & Pond Covers ● Grills ● Hanging Basket Brackets ● Weathervanes & Sundials ● Balcony & Stair Case

Domestic Ironwork

● Door & Window Furniture ● Kitchen Racking ● Hooks & Hangers ● Curtain Poles ● Tables & Chairs ● Lighting

Garden Design Commissions

● Benches & Tree Seats ● Braziers & Fire Bowls ● Garden Sculptures ● Plant Supports Public Art ● Sculpture ● Signage & Maps ● Design Solutions

Preservation of Ironwork

● Restoration & Conservation of Historic Ironwork ● Renovation & Reproduction of Historic Ironwork ● General Metalwork Repairs

Bespoke Commissions

● Wedding Rings, Cuff Bracelets, Bangles, Talks & Pendants ● Hand Tools

Creative projects

● Music Videos ● Photography Shoots ● Performance

TV and Film

● Set Decor ● Props ● Costume


  • Jack's stunning ironwork has been a highlight of Ardbeg House's grand opening. The Ardbeg 'A' and the whisky trolley we commissioned him to produce immediately captivates guests on arrival to the Hotel and in the dining room. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of the piece. The style seamlessly complements the hotel's aesthetic, creating a lasting impression. Jack's professionalism and skill are highly recommended, and we are proud to showcase this remarkable piece of art. Thank you, Jack!


    Ruth Thomson
    Senior Project Lead, Ardbeg House

  • The Votive Stand that Jack designed and the team at Work of Iron produced for Dunfermline Abbey fits the brief that Jack was given. Jack has been great to work with, and really listened to the intention and hope of the piece that the Abbey Church of Dunfermline commissioned from him. The piece beautifully reuses redundant internal railing, and despite being metal work captures the growth and life. Jack was patient in his fulfilling the brief, but also unrecognising the various groups that needed to be consulted for the final piece to be commissioned. This is my thank you to him as the minister of the congregation, but having spoken to several people since the Votive Stand was dedicated they are also blown away by its beauty and the craftsmanship it represents.

    The Rev. Dr. MaryAnn R. Rennie,
    Minister,
    The Abbey Church of Dunfermline

OUR PROCESS

FORGING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO

Forging means heating steel to approximately 1300°C and then shaping it through various techniques. Metal exists in three states: solid, plastic, and liquid. we work primarily in the plastic state, where the metal becomes soft and malleable, allowing it to be shaped much like clay. Carefully the metal is heated in the forge before using a variety of tools to shape it. Since the metal cools down relatively quickly after being removed from the heat, it often needs to be reheated multiple times to maintain its softness for further shaping. Forging requires a significant amount of energy, skill, and physical strength. The hammer marks that remain on the steel after shaping contribute to its uniqueness and impart a distinct handmade appearance.

Blacksmith heating metal on an anvil with a forge glowing orange, while wearing protective gloves, goggles, and a cap.

COMMISSION US

1. INITIAL ENQUIRY

Email jack@workofiron.co.uk with a description and as much detail as possible, Including images, location, time scale and your budget. This will help ascertain if Work of Iron can meet your requirements.

2. ARRANGE A MEETING

We can convene on location if the project is site specific or welcome you to the Work of Iron forge for a friendly and detailed discussion. This Initial survey or consultation is free of charge with no further obligation. A fee will apply for meetings outside of Edinburgh. Design ideas and sketches might be negotiated further at this stage and an estimated price given.

3. QUOTE

Once the design concept and all aspects of the necessary information are agreed upon, You will be sent a quote in PDF format via email. This will be a detailed document stating the costs, terms, conditions and agreements made for your project.

4. COMMISSION

Once a quote is approved you will receive a confirmation of order and your project will begin. If during the execution, additional wishes are requested than what was initially agreed we can work out the charges to be added before they commence.

5. INVOICE

You will receive an invoice for a non-refundable, 50% of the total amount quoted in advance to confirm the work. Interim payments may be requested when certain stages of the project have been completed. Goods remain the property of ‘Work of Iron’ until payment is received in full.

6. PROGRESS & COMPLETION

For larger projects, we may agree to share progress reports and sometimes arrange visits to the forge. We will contact you to set up site visits, dry fits, and installations. After the work is done, we provide a maintenance plan to help you care for your ironwork.

PORTFOLIO

In a world of mass production, we create unique hand-forged pieces. Our work includes large architectural projects, expressive artworks and Interior design pieces.

Close-up of black metal machinery parts with bolts and joints, in a dimly lit environment.
Sculpture of two abstract human figures playing a saxophone.
A decorative metal sculpture with a circular design, keyhole shape, and a lit candle inside, on a black surface against a plain white background.