francesplowden@gmail.com

Frances Plowden METALWORK

About

frances plowden welding

With over 25 years experience working as a blacksmith, furniture designer and welder, I produce gates and railings, chandeliers, bespoke furniture, window security grilles, fire guards, handrails, basin stands, mirror frames and candlesticks.
 
My business is primarily focussed on one-off commissions produced in collaboration with the client.


I have also been involved in projects such as the build of the Paralympic Closing Ceremony floats in 2012, the build of the Barracuda Mobile Bar, as well as being responsible for the set design and build for Channel 4’s Scrap Heap Challenge.

 

Design process

Each piece I make is designed to suit the client. After an enquiry has been received, I will visit the client on site, and talk though what is needed. I design the work to suit each individual need, so the initial discussion is important for me to understand what is desired.

 

I’m happy to be guided by the client and can advise as necessary or suggest ideas. I will then produce sketches and/or drawings as a starting point. The final design is individual to each piece and is usually arrived at as a collaboration of ideas between the client and myself.

 

Once the overall design is agreed on, I’ll produce a quote for the work, and take final measurements before beginning production.

 

Production of the work varies with every job. I combine modern techniques of metal fabrication with traditional blacksmithing techniques depending what is needed for each individual commission.

 

I work primarily in steel, heating the component parts in a coal fired forge to create contemporary and innovative metalwork. Bespoke gates, railings, balcony rails, furniture and lighting are some of the many commissions I have undertaken.

 

If the work is for interior use, it can be wire brushed, lacquered or painted. For exterior work, the process of hot dip galvanizing is applied before painting or powder-coating the finished piece. This protects the work long term.

 

The final step is the delivery and installation of the finished project.

 

HOME ¦ Gates & Railings ¦ Furniture ¦ Chandeliers ¦ Projects | About