Wall Art

This month, we’re embracing all things art.

You may remember our blog last year, where we shared our visit to Drift, an independent art gallery. It was there that we proudly unveiled our first piece of Coach House Forge steel wall art, titled “Aurora.”

The artwork was inspired by the breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) that recently illuminated the skies across Cheshire.

As expected, Aurora was quickly snapped up by a lucky buyer.

We’re delighted to share that Adrian has been hard at work on two new pieces.

Each striking creation is a set of three framed, wall-mounted steel panels.

First Lets Meet the Artist – Adrian

Adrian joined the Coach House Forge team in 2020 with a background in antique furniture restoration. After quickly settling in, we have seen Adrian’s care and meticulous attention to detail in his day to day work at the forge, being involved in developing new products from initial concept to finished products which have proved very popular with the Coach House Forge community..

Adrian has always been creative with a keen interest in art and painting from a very young age.

Working with oils and watercolours, Adrian enjoys painting plein air landscapes and animal portraits. With the gorgeous Finn, Adrian’s Jackabee (Jack Russel, Beagle cross), being the subject of many of his works. As you can see Finn is extremely gorgeous and most portrait worthy.

Adrian also enjoys spending his spare time riding his motorbike, travelling across the UK and discovering the stunning views and landscapes it has to offer.

Working on the new wall art project has brought Adrian’s skills together into one artwork. His craftsmanship and expertise from the forge and his natural eye and artistic flair. The result – Art from the anvil.

The Canvas Is Created.

From humble beginnings as pre-cut mild steel panels, the transformation begins the moment they enter the forge. Owing to the scale of the largest panel, we use our biggest forge, affectionately known as ‘The Mother’ to accommodate its size.

Each panel is exposed to prolonged, extreme temperatures exceeding 1,700 degrees celsius. The careful opening and closing of the forge door interrupts the air flow creating dramatic temperature fluctuations. This perfectly timed process produces the blistered surface that evolves into the panels’ distinctive and beautiful texture.

The surface texture is then refined by Adrian by hand. This is where skill and experience truly come into play, guided by careful attention to detail and a clear vision of the finished piece.

The Challenges.

Working on a project of this scale does not come without its challenges.

Firstly, and as you would imagine, the exposure to these extreme temperatures is a challenge in itself. Even with the correct PPE in place temperatures of this magnitude add an extra element of difficulty.

Secondly, the weight of the panels, particularly when being held with the forge tongs, becomes another consideration. The sheer weight of the red hot steel can cause the panel to warp so this has to be avoided and if need be corrected.

Colour

Once the panels have cooled and textured, the next step is to introduce colour. At this stage, each panel becomes a canvas for Adrian to work upon.

This is the second release of Coach House Wall Art, however Adrian has been painting for many years. Adrian is incredibly modest and unassuming so it falls to us to highlight the remarkable skill and depth of knowledge behind each piece.

Adrian’s artistic talent and vision truly comes into play at this stage. Working with a strong foundation in colour theory, Adrian uses complementary and split complementary colours resulting in the drama, blend and depth of colour we see in the finished artworks.

Colours are applied using specialist waxes, carefully mixed and applied with precision.

Unlike a traditional canvas, the artworks are then protected with a museum grade wax which further enhances the evolving patina.

The Finishing Touches

The edges of each panel have been carefully polished to ensure the full surface is on display and given prominence.

Mounted within simple, elegant floating frames, a true labour of love.

Adrian has created two sets each comprising three graduating wall panels which create aerial perspective as the colour transitions through each panel.

Continuing the celestial theme, we are delighted to present ‘Solar Flare’ and ‘Cosmic Rays’

Solar Flare

Dark hues of black and charcoal grey provide the perfect contrast to rich, varied tones of gold, with flashes of deep copper flowing seamlessly across all three panels.

Cosmic Rays

Again the base is the dark charcoal however here we have varied shades of gold coupled with a beautiful verdigris green-blue that unites all three panels.

We love it when our creations inspire questions.

Which one of these sets speaks to you ? What do the colours remind you of? What shapes or forms do you see? How does the artwork make you feel? Where would you display them in your space? And the million dollar question, which would you choose…..?

Where to buy

Both sets have now been released for sale on the Coach House Forge website.

Cosmic Rays can be viewed by appointment at our office in Nantwich, drop us a message. Or we can arrange a virtual viewing.

Solar Flare can be viewed at Vigour & Skills Studio in the Cotswalds, please check their website for opening times.