I just returned from the UK and spent a day at the Victoria and Albert museum in London. They have one of the most outstanding collections of blacksmith work that I have ever seen. In this attachment, I am showing pictures of the Albert Paley bench that was commissioned by the museum. I took lot's of pictures of the various elements. I apologize for the picture quality, the lighting was poor for taking pictures. If ever you have the opportunity to visit London, I would recommend that you spend time in this museum.
Cool bench for sure, neat joinery for 1994, the pierced reverse twists etc. Thanks for the pics.
awsome pitures thank you for sharing. That is some good craftsmanship
What a wonderful piece of work, I think most of us have an idea how much work there is to complete a project like that.
Thanks for posting the photos.
Jim
Paley's work is always, masterful in design, and execution and implementation.
A metalworker could spend a week in the V&A and not see all of it, and the best part is that like lots of the British national museums it's free!
Artwerks, I think it's pretty good joinery for anytime, IIRC the big circles on the end of the bench are something like 3" (or bigger) octagons. Having just forged a set of andirons out of 2" square stock I can say that larger stock is a whole different forging experience!
Where Paley and his studio really shine is in their use of patinas. There is an avid art collector around here that has hired me on occasion to make bases, stands, mounts for some of his Paley pieces. I've had a chance for some very close examination and have been impressed by the consistency of surface finish and the depth and luster of the patinas.
-Judson
I have done some 2 by 2 forgings (some are in the johnsonmetalsmithing website)... and they do wonders for building upper body strength. You don't have to go work out at the gym after a day of handling the big stuff.
Thanks, James.
I've long admired that particular bench. Great to see the detail shots.
I must admit.......I like AP's earlier work best.
