Telmo Cao Farré

Blacksmith

©Telmo Cao Farré

An iron perseverance

Telmo’s work is done in wrought iron
His restorations use the same techniques as the originals
He opened his first workshop in 2010

Telmo Cao Farré grew up in the workshops of his father, a ceramics and sculpture teacher. He felt a predilection for metal since he was a child. At the age of 18, he turned to the world of forging, his first commission being the realisation of all the grilles for a large building in A Coruña, Galicia. Telmo's specialty is hot forging – with it all the associated techniques that are involved to fully develop the craft, using punching, riveting or flame welding. His main source of inspiration is nature, the organic forms of plants or water. He simplifies its lines into living elements with movement. His current workshop is the building that in 1790 was the largest forging and foundry industry in the country, and from there he now tries to preserve the tradition of its people.

Interview

©Telmo Cao Farré

©Telmo Cao Farré

Do you remember when you discovered your vocation?: Yes, it was really like a process of evolution in which one day, with a hot iron in my hands, shaping it with a hammer, I realised that I could change the concept of iron, which is something rigid and hard, to give it life and plasticity. I loved it.
Why did you choose to be a craftsman?: Because it's what I like. If I didn't work in this trade, it would be what I would do in my spare time. Working in what you are passionate about is not working. You study and learn every day and try to improve yourself in each project and, in the end, everything you do is very enriching.
How do you recognise a well done piece?: I consider something well done when a piece or object fulfils its function, it should also be aesthetically pleasing and technically well done.
What would you say to a young person who wants to do the same as you?: Everything is achieved with effort and perseverance, nothing is a gift, every day you have to improve. You have to study and surpass yourself at every moment or project, and above all, if you like the job you have to pursue it until it becomes a livelihood.

Telmo Cao Farré is a master artisan: he began his career in 2005 and he started teaching in 2017