Michael Calnan and Gunvor Anhøj are two
artists collaborating in a partnership. Through the use of forged metals
combined with stone, bog oak and glass, we create one-off and limited editions
of sculpture. Our portfolio also includes functional pieces, mainly exterior
seating and other features for the private garden as well as the public space.
We have recently moved our workshop to Russborough House in County
Wicklow, Ireland. Our forge was joined by other maker’s now resident at
Russborough; The Russborough Artisans so far includes a
painter, a weaver, a candle maker, a wood turner and a bog oak sculptor.
From March 2010 we will run a series of taster courses in
blacksmithing. We wish to give as many as possible the chance to
experience this amazing craft and to give you the opportunity to broaden your
perspective by trying something completely different. The satisfaction you gain
from making a physical object using fire and iron is unsurpassed!
We ventured into the world of the blacksmith coming from two
different backgrounds. Michael having spent time involved in the art world
through his free-lance work for world renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The
work he creates emanates a degree of simplicity and elegance irrespective of
mass and size of material.
Gunvor came from a horticultural background, where
she spent years surrounded by the amazing diversity of nature. She was always
driven by the need "to create". The experimental side of the craft plays a big
part; the discovery of new techniques and textures often becomes the starting
point of her expressive pieces.
Our latest work can be seen at Russborough House, please use the
details on the contacts page to get in touch. We are members of the Crafts Council of Ireland and
the Irish Artist
Blacksmith Association.
