The Belgian blacksmith brothers
- Steven and Brecht were inspired in their father’s forge
- They call for recognition to keep their craft alive
- They make all their own tools
The Dujardyn brothers Steven and Brecht picked up a passion for the age-old craft of blacksmithing when they were children. The spark ignited in the small forge where their father, Wilfried, restored his collection of old carriages. “The image of a blacksmith using his muscle power to shape the red-hot iron may seem nostalgic, but it is very much a reality for us,” say the two brothers. To master traditional techniques, both of them enrolled in blacksmith training programmes when they were only 15 years old. In 2001, after completing their training, they set up their own traditional artisan forge, called Dujardyn Artconcept. Brecht and Steven had the ambition to create designs that blend in with the existing environment or architecture. “The best compliment that we can receive is that our ironwork does not stand out, but that it harmoniously blends in with its surroundings.”
Interview
- In what way is your craft linked to your territory?
- Belgium is historically a country of blacksmiths, foundries and metal industry. Already in the Middle Ages, Belgium was famed for the skill of its blacksmiths. This know-how and craftsmanship passed on throughout the ages constitutes a form of local heritage.
- Could your craft be considered in danger?
- Yes, the blacksmith’s trade is in danger of becoming extinct here. Unfortunately, Belgium has no certificate or diploma that recognises the specificity of this work or the many years of training that it requires. As a result, blacksmiths find it difficult to be commercially competitive.
- What could be done to preserve your craft?
- We need a good training structure for apprentice blacksmiths, to help them set up a business after completing their training. In addition, architectural training courses should include visits to blacksmiths, so that future architects gain an insight into the techniques used by blacksmiths.
- What is one thing about your work that people generally don’t know?
- We manufacture all the elements of our ironwork by ourselves, including our tools. Each project requires pliers and moulds adapted to the item we are working on. As such, everything we produce is unique. This way of working also offers us a lot of flexibility.
Steven & Brecht Dujardyn are master artisans: they began their career in 1985 and they started teaching in 2008
Works
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Steven & Brecht Dujardyn
