How to commission work with us

Alongside Fire & Iron Gallery we have operated a large blacksmithing workshop since 1932 where ironwork can be specially designed and made by us for you. Unique items from award-winning public art and architectural ironwork to trophies, handrails, fire tools and curtain poles have been made here continuously for almost a century. We also restore historic ironwork and give it a new lease of life. Installation of our projects, where relevant, is also carried out by us.

In addition, several different metalwork artists and jewellers exhibit their work in our gallery and they also work to special commission, creating their own style of work from wedding rings and coat hooks to wall art, fire furniture and garden sculpture. We detail and handle these commissions for our clients.

PLEASE NOTE: COMMISSIONED WORK IS RARELY FOR THOSE WANTING THINGS IN A HURRY. WE ARE LUCKY TO BE VERY BUSY AT ALL TIMES, AND WE OPERATE A WAITING LIST SYSTEM. BESPOKE ITEMS MADE BY HAND CAN TAKE MUCH LONGER THAN PEOPLE REALISE, ESPECIALLY IN A FAST-MOVING WORLD OF MASS PRODUCTION AND IMPORTED GOODS. THIS IS REAL WORK, DESIGNED AND MADE CAREFULLY AND WITH INTEGRITY TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD, AND IT TAKES TIME. ALL STAGES OF ANY PROJECT ARE SUBJECT TO OUR WAITING LIST SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE EARLY DESIGN STAGES WHICH CAN BE LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND OFTEN REQUIRE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND DRAWING TIME. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE ENQUIRE AS DESCRIBED BELOW.

If you are interested in having something special made, repaired or restored, please email info@fireandiron.co.uk or use our website contact form - briefly describing your project and requesting guidance, an appointment or discussion. Please include as much information as possible, and any relevant images. For in-person appointments, we operate an appointment booking system to discuss potential projects whether small or large, so that you have the right person to speak to and so that we can ensure no queues (We are open to the public). These initial bookable appointments are free and available between 9:30am-10.30am on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Most projects can be initially progressed by phone or email or at one of these brief face-to-face discussions. Many site-specific projects will at some point require a site visit, and all of this will be explained during the early conversations. Site visits are usually carried out after the approximate style direction, programme and approximate budget have been agreed; where a special complex design is required (with a visual) a percentage (usually 10-20%) of the overall estimated budget is charged before any site visits or designs are made. Designs are copyright Fire & Iron Limited and may not be made by others, but the client is under no obligation to proceed further after this stage. The design stages are a large and crucial part of any project, and we will guide you carefully through the process.

Lucy and Tom Quinnell also offer home or business premises consultations for those seeking ideas and inspiration but who do not yet know what they want and who are unable to visit in person or progress projects by email and phone. On these occasions, an hourly rate is charged (including travel time) and the standard mileage rate for travel expenses (currently 45p per mile).

Every enquiry received and every commission we have created is unique, so we will guide you re. how best to progress your project and we will never make any charge without your prior agreement. Trust is a vital part of our commissions ethos.

Examples of some of our commissioned work by us can be seen in below and in our 'Public Art & Commissions' photo gallery.