Traditional Skills Set to Continue at Ironic Twist It s the beginning of a new era at Ironic Twist but clients should be reassured that the change of ownership is more like a succession and the move to larger premises has already improved production.
Michael Sanders and Gayle O Conner established Ironic Twist in 1989.
The business and its reputation grew over the next twenty years producing hand forged furniture, lighting and architectural fittings that take pride of place in many homes and buildings.
Now after almost 22 years Michael and Gayle have decided to take a step back and hand the reins over to Michael s prot g David Last who will ensure the traditional skills and craftsmanship involved in custom designed wrought iron work will continue uninterrupted.
David s love for metal work began when he was at school, working once a week for renowned metal smith artist and jeweller silversmith, Karl Millard, whose metal sculptures and artwork featured in the National Gallery of Australia.
Karl introduced David to the world of metal and the delights that forging and working the metal can bring and he commenced an apprenticeship in metal fabrication and engineering.
But David s creative side was dissatisfied and with 6 months worth of skills under his belt he discovered Ironic Twist and applied for a position.
His love for traditional wrought iron and the art that is blacksmithing grew over the four years he worked for Michael, and, when Michael confided to David that he was thinking about taking a step back to start teaching- if I can teach you, I can teach anyone - and to pursue his love for photography, David suggested he step in and take over Ironic Twist to continue the legacy Michael created.
Michael was delighted and David s partner Shae Parry joined the business as the new creative designer.
Now David and Shae are stepping up to the challenge.
Hoping to put their own mark on Ironic Twist, they have ventured forth to a larger factory in Somerville, employing more skilled workers to keep up with the demand.
Michael however still has a hand in the business, working 2 days a week, and is more than happy to pass on his vast knowledge.
Ironic Twist has left a great impression on the Mornington Peninsula, creating many fantastic items from gates, balustrades and fences to tables, chairs and chandeliers - all works of art and beautifully constructed enhancing properties from Sth Frankston to Sorrento and further afield.
There are several notable commissioned pieces on public display like the beautiful mermaid seats seen around Mt Eliza.
Ironic Twist s custom made fabrications are often recognisable for their sometimes whimsical and always beautiful designs which combine old world craftsmanship with modern practicalities.
With many plans for the future of Ironic Twist, David and Shae intend on keeping with the more traditional methods of blacksmithing, hoping that they can keep this dying art alive.
They have even made a few commissioned pieces such as the beautiful mermaid seats seen around Mt Eliza.
David and Shae, like so many others, believe that Ironic Twist has that little something extra and with all the work hand forged and designs hand drawn, each work of art is a truly bespoke piece.
To view some of the work Ironic Twist have done you re invited to visit David and Shae at their new location, Factory 17 15 Arduina Street, Somerville.
Contact them on 5878 0662 or email david.last ironictwist.com.au.
Their website www.ironictwist.com.au is currently under constructions but check regularly as new photos and updates are in the pipeline..
wroughtiron Furniture, Gates, Fences, Balustrades, Signs, Mirrors, Candelabras and more ..
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www.irontwist.com.au 118 good life, february -march, april 2011 03 5978 0662 david.last ironictwist.com.au Factory 17 15 Arduina Street, Somerville