The Iron Master
A
Limited Edition Print
by
artist Richard Bollinger
© 1995
29" x 13¾"
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price and availability
WEST CHESTER, PA 1900 - As evening approaches, the leather aproned smith pulls the glowing metal from his forge and turns quickly to the anvil. With skillful, heavy blows, he begins to shape the crude metal, hammering quickly as it begins to cool and then returns it to the flames again as the process is repeated.
From the heavy axle down to the smallest rivet in the wagon, bells and bits, frying pans and locks for the kitchen door, weather vanes on the church spire down to the decorative iron crosses over the graves in the churchyard. They all are made by the smith. No wonder he is so respected.
His shop is a gathering place for farmers, doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. Here they talk over problems and politics of the day. This kindly gentleman spends time with the children on their way home from school as they peer through his opened door to see the magic of the flames and red hot iron. He even helps them create a man of snow to guard his shop. Perhaps this is why this dedicated smith is working into the night.
Although the glow of the forge and the clanging of the hammer against the anvil are no longer familiar sights and sounds of the blacksmith's shop, the building has survived the test of time and still remains standing at the west end of town.
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