Iron Excellence

For ten years now I have been immersed in the art of blacksmithing.
My journey started when at the age of eighteen, I was informed of a new college just set up training in the techniques of traditional blacksmithing, With a degree of uncertainty I decided to enter the world of ironwork and for the next two years I trained under blacksmiths Paul Devlin Henry Pomfret and master blacksmith, Elmer Roush. I was the youngest student on the course, and after two years I completed the course
top of the class with distinction.

Through the course, I was given the opportunity to go to England
to work with artist blacksmith Bill Corduroy. Working with Bill was a great experience.
I gained expert knowledge on both the traditional and modern sides of ironwork. Bill also brought me to several forge'ins where I met other blacksmiths and exchanged ideas. It was an eye opening experience for me.

On returning to Ireland, I was offered a job in Dublin for the company, Bushy Park Ironworks. This experience would transform the way I looked at ironwork and removed any limitations I had of what was possible. While in Bushy Park, I made grand staircases and gates, both traditional and modern. I also worked with copper, brass and stainless steel.

After five years with bushy park I became restless like an itch that needs to be scratched.
I had my own ideas on where I could take the art of blacksmithing. So, in 2005, I set up my company John Hogan's iron excellence and have found the journey invigorating.
At last I could bring to life the ideas in my head.

Now entering my third year of business and after doing many craft fairs, radio interviews, newspaper articles and featuring on RTE's nationwide, the business has grown form strength to strength. At present, I am exploring the more sculptural side of metalwork, a move that excites me greatly and I can't wait to see what the future brings, but I hope to be creating beautiful metalwork and exploring new avenues' which I hope are enjoyed by all who see them.

I have included below a link to my appearance on the RTE's show "Nationwide".
If you are like me and prefer a more visual reprensation of what I do please click on link below where you will see some of my works and inspirations from the West of Ireland.