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GUILD OF BLACKSMITHS AND METAL ARTISTS OF ST. PETERSBURG AND THE NORTHWEST
Annotation
34A Ulitsa Novaya, Lakhta,
St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
Tel./fax: 8 (812) 334-55-14
E-mail: guild@mail.ru
www.gildiyakuznecov.ru
The Guild of Blacksmiths and Metal Artists was established in 2001 with the aim of developing and popularizing the art of metalwork. Since the very first days of its existence, the masters of the Guild of Blacksmiths and Metal Artists have set an extremely high bar in terms of the mastery and professionalism demonstrated in the execution of orders, regardless of their complexity – from the fabrication of simple, utilitarian objects to the creation of true works of art.
Since its founding, Guild membership has gone on to encompass the best master craftsmen St. Petersburg has to offer in the field of blacksmithing and artistic metalworking. In order to attract attention to the art of blacksmithing, the Guild’s masters showcase their creations at exhibitions in St. Petersburg, Moscow and abroad. Public interest was particularly piqued by the exhibitions put on at the Manezh – “Fall in Metal Lace” and “Christmas Eve.” The works of Guild members can also be enjoyed in open spaces – the Young Spectators’ Theater has opened an adjoining Wrought Sculpture Park, the City of Sestroretsk is adorned by a hammered oak, and strollers wandering the grounds of Peter and Paul Fortress are invited to take a closer look at one of the 12 forged thrones lining the footpath.
In 2004, members of the Guild of Blacksmiths organized the International Blacksmithing Festival “Golden Girder.” In 2011, the festival was renamed “Forge of Happiness,” aptly capturing the link between blacksmithing art and female beauty, while the “Golden Girder” has lived on as one of the signature awards of the new festival.
The Guild of Blacksmiths actively participates in the life of St. Petersburg, holding master classes and seminars in various districts of the city for anyone interested. One of these master classes has become a traditional high point of the annual festival “Imperial Gardens of Russia.”
Anyone who has ever seen the hammer, anvil and fire join forces to create masterpieces of blacksmithing art will forever be captured by the sense of inclusion in the mystery of creation and true professional fellowship.