Artisan ironwork

Transforming ideas into a tangible reality

From contemporary fabrication to historic restoration

Inspiration, even more than technique, plays a crucial role in our profession as an artisanal blacksmith. Are we artists or are we craftsmen? Most people are only considered artists after their death! The authenticity and character of our ironwork is determined by the design of the individual parts, in accordance with their specific style, and the connections that demonstrate how the work was created.

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The renaissance of artisan blacksmithing

Dujardyn Artconcept aims to keep traditional artisan blacksmithing alive. Our blacksmith’s shop is entered through a sturdy door that is fitted with the same door furniture as the doors of the Notre-Dame in Paris. We forged this ourselves as part of the restoration of the iconic French cathedral. The originals can be found in Paris, of course, but we decided to forge a copy for ourselves as a memento of our contribution to this prestigious project. Endangered heritage knowledge One of the main concerns of the Dujardyn brothers is that the blacksmith’s trade is in danger of becoming extinct. While Belgium was famed for its blacksmiths in the Middle Ages, the trade has almost completely disappeared today. “The craftsmith, the locksmith, the bladesmith, the farrier, the coppersmith, the toolmaker, the silversmith and goldsmith, the metalworker, the engraver ... their know-how constitutes a form of heritage, of knowledge, craftsmanship, values ​​and traditions, that is at risk of being lost.” Consider the need for certification in recognition of the training enjoyed by a smith. It takes approximately ten years to master all the techniques of traditional artisan ironwork. Unfortunately, Belgium has no certificate or diploma that recognises the specificity of this work or the many years of training that it represents. As a result, artisans such as smiths find it difficult to be commercially competitive. “There is no clear distinction between industrial welding and construction work, on the one hand, and traditional ornamental ironwork, on the other. They require a different approach and consequently there is also a difference in price. Traditional techniques are applied for the restoration of heritage-listed items and pieces of a historical value. Using electric welding for the reconnection of components in a restoration project would be a disaster.” Raising awareness Our country does not have a suitable training structure for apprentice blacksmiths. “There are no training courses that enable you to set up a business as a professional blacksmith after completing your training. Internships in forges are therefore indispensable for young people. In addition, we believe that architectural training courses should include visits to blacksmiths in their curriculum. As such, future architects can get learn more about the various techniques that blacksmiths use and gain an insight into them.” 

About
We cover the entire range.

We create and forge objects for minimalist or contemporary homes with a sleek design and an elegant flourish, using traditional methods based on iron and fire. We can also revive wrought-iron gems from the past in the most realistic way. Whether you are looking for locks or keys, door handles, fences or wrought-iron gates, we have made them all. Other challenges include candelabras, chandeliers, gazebos, balconies, banisters, and more. We even can produce iconic streetlamps, a vine chandelier for your wine cellar or an Art Nouveau flower in glass and bronze if you want.

Our work

The blacksmith is the smith of his own happiness.

We manufacture all the elements of our ironwork by ourselves, down to the very tools we use.  “Each design or restoration project requires pliers that are adapted to the item we are working on, for example. Any molds we need are always custom-made and tailored to a specific project. As such, everything we produce is always fully unique. This also gives us a lot of flexibility as makers.” Components for cast iron, bronze and silver are sculpted and flame-proof molds and parts for casting are also produced in our own workshop.”

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From the sketch to the finished product

Our aim is to ensure that the designs we create blend in with the existing environment or architecture, whether this concerns classic or more contemporary designs. The fact that our ironwork does not stand out but harmonises with its surroundings is the best compliment people can give us.” “We want our work to evoke the same feeling as the architecture into which it is integrated. That is the added value that we offer. As a blacksmith, it is vital that we listen very carefully to what the client wants, linking this to our knowledge of aesthetics, history, art and architecture.” “We try to literally merge our design, however innovative, with ancient techniques and traditional ironwork. Our ambition is to forge a position for traditional ornamental ironwork in the future.”

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Curious about what we can do for you?

Or do you have any questions about our studio, how we work or what we all do.

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Are you looking for that one screw for your old-timer?

Or that one screw that is no longer made.

We might just have it lying around. Contact us and find out if we can help you with this.

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