Creative Metal Gates, Railings, Balustrades ... |
 |
 |
 |
Welcome to Verdigris, a contemporary forge and metalworking studio based near Manchester. Work made by the forge is installed throughout the UK and occasionally further afield! All types of creative and artistic metalwork is designed and made, ranging from pure sculpture through to more practical items such as gates, railings and balustrades. We have gained a reputation for creating exciting, innovative and highly detailed designs by blending traditional blacksmithing techniques with the use of precision machinery. Our passion is for forged steel and wrought iron but many other metals such as bronze, copper and stainless steel are used. You can see a selection from our portfolio of bespoke metalwork below but there is a more comprehensive body of work to view in the gallery pages.
The curves and forms within these contemporary metal stair railings were hand forged to give each element a uniqueness and individuality. The cascading and flowing shapes are all subtly different to each other yet still all belong to the same family.
These contemporary and modern steel driveway gates were designed to be understated yet still have plenty of rich and interesting detailing. The holes in the metal were made by hammering the steel whilst hot, rather than simply cutting them out. The metal moves as it is struck creating the attractive swellings surrounding the holes.
We have an affinity towards designs using movement and flow. Sweeping curvilinear lines are our specialty, as these bespoke, stylish and contemporary metal railings demonstrate. They were commissioned for a villa in the French Riviera and their design uses breaking waves for its inspiration. As with many of our commissions, the railings are designed without a surrounding rectangular metal frame.
This galvanised steel tree sculpture was commissioned for the side of Afflecks Palace; a shopping arcade in Manchester with an eclectic mix of small independent stalls and boutiques aimed at the student market. The spreading growth of the tree suggests youthful and inquisitive exploration.
These bespoke wrought iron railings were designed to reflect the semicircular motif used throughout the garden. As with many of our designs, these railings don't use a conventional top rail, instead the forged steel uprights were shaped to suggest a top rail.
These design of these metal stair railings was inspired by the flowing and expressive lines used in metalwork from the Art Nouveau period. However, setting the curves against the lattice work of straight lines gives the design a modern twist and helps to emphasise the flow of the curves.
Although the contemporary design of this wrought iron Juliet balcony is relatively understated, it is a very detailed piece of ironwork featuring traditional blacksmith's joinery such as riveting and mortise and tenons throughout. The aged galvanised finish of the metal balcony complements the surrounding brickwork and the oak window frame.
These metal stair railings were designed to more than hint at a fantasy or enchanted forest. The branches, leaves and tendrils are all hand forged and twist and entwine around each other to form the newel posts and handrails. They grow in a natural organic way suggestive of youthful shoots wandering off to explore their surroundings.
The detailing within this understated wrought iron garden gate was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. It features hot punched holes, elegant tapers and hand forged shapes typical of the period. The silver galvanised finish used to rust proof the gates will gradually weather down to a mottled grey that will blend in with the stonework of the surrounding walls.
These elegant bespoke metal handrails were commissioned by customers with a passion for all things Art Nouveau. The design of the handrails reflect the period features seen throughout their house. Their sweeping and flowing curves were inspired by the lines typical of Art Nouveau metalwork.
This highly polished bronze and stainless steel dragon sculpture was made using specially developed welding techniques and a jeweller's level of detailing. The intense heat of the welding fused and subtly blended the metals together giving the dragon's skin a range of colours from bronze to silver to gold.
Rather than using conventional support posts, these bold, dramatic and almost sculptural garden railings were based around four clusters of stylized plants. A variety of leaves, flowers and shoots were used, and their design was was inspired by the shapes, forms and curves seen in nature.
These very different and unusual stainless steel and glass railings were commissioned for a seafront property in St Mawes Cornwall. Their design picks up on aspects of this environment including naval pennants flying in the wind, stylised flora from the area and the drystone wall on which they sit.