Forge Ahead Ornamental Iron

Description

FORGE AHEAD ORNAMENTAL IRON
Preserving Authentic Ironwork & Metalsmithing Dedicated to the preservation of Authentic Ironwork & Metalsmithing, one of Canada’s most prestigious ironwork shops starts the first ever Artistic Blacksmith ‘Collective’ in Ontario. The Mandate is simple … ‘To form Ontario’s Finest Metalwork Collective - by joining some of the best ironworkers, steel forgers, metal fabricators and exotic metalsmiths under one roof. To secure and enhance, the future of yesterday’s authentic metalsmithing skills and techniques in this drive-thru era.’ This is not the first time Jim Barton; Head Blacksmith at Forge Ahead Ornamental Iron in Guelph, ON has been first at putting together organizations and events that promote an industry he believes in. Barton created the first All Breed Directory on the Canadian Horse Industry titled ‘EquiDat’ and National Horse Publication titled ‘Canadian Horseman’, donated the first ever All Breed National Survey on the Canadian Horse Industry to The Canadian Equestrian Federation, held the first ‘Horse’s International Trade Show’ and, was a Co-Founder of the Ontario Farrier’s Association. Like past endeavors, Barton doesn’t take any of this lightly. “One of the most common statements I hear from Blacksmiths everywhere is I would just love to focus on my work without worrying about all of the other duties associated to running my business”. “For the past 12 ½ years I’ve been fortunate to share my passion for this unique art form by creating pieces for customers, collaborating with other smith’s and providing educational workshops. My business background and administrative support system has also been a huge asset, one that I know, will be beneficial to this endeavor. It’s this support system that will go along way in helping bring together other Smith’s who share the same philosophy regarding the teaching and passing down the skills and techniques of this dying art form. For more information on The Forge Collective please contact; Jim Barton Phone: 519-829-3993 Fax: 519-829-3994 Email: forgeahead@bellnet.ca 92 Ferguson St. Guelph, ON Canada N1E 2Y6 Ph: 519-829-3993 Fax: 519-829-3994 Email: forgeahead@bellnet.ca Website: www.forgeahead.ca