Milwaukee, WI I am pleased to announce that finally, a book on famed master blacksmith, Cyril Colnik (1871-1958) has been published, and is available for purchase. Alan J. Strekow, of Hales Corners, WI, has compiled a plethora of fine images of Colnik’s works, drawings, sketches and blueprints, along with commentary

“Forged Elegance, the Lifework of Master Blacksmith Cyril Colnik” (Copyright 1998, Bighorn Forge, Inc.) is a video presentation about the work and life of the famed master blackmsith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958). Cyril Colnik was born in Austria, and came to the United States via the “Chicago Columbian Exposition” (World’s Fair)

I am pleased to announce that after decades of waiting, a fine book detailing Cyril Colnik’s life and ironwork is finally to be published. VIlla Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is home to two galleries containing Colnik’s works, including his famous “Masterpiece.” “Masterpiece” (above) The Masterpiece, along with several other fine

Cyril Colnik (1871-1958) came to America in 1893 to help the German government set up their ironwork display at the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893. Born in Austria, Colnik traveled Europe to refine his forging skills. Today, I will share some rare images of Colnik, as well as his wife,

Greetings, and Happy New Year. 20 years ago today, I was enroute by train to study with master blacksmith Francis Whitaker (1906-1999) in Carbondale, CO. Francis referred to himself as “a link with the past,” as he was one of the few remaining true blacksmiths alive when the forging renaissance

I am offering three pieces by master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958.) I am making a strong effort to sell these items. Cyril Colnik came from Austria to America during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, known as the “Columbian Exposition.” He later set up shop in Milwaukee, and provided some of

Today we will again explore the work of master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958), and Austrian immigrant who settled in Milwaukee in 1894. Note to my readers: To enlarge these images, simply click on the desired image. Above is a grille, which was later reinstalled on Terrace Avenue in Milwaukee at

This is the second installment of master blacksmith Cyril Colnik’s liturgical ironwork from my archives. Unfortunately, these images have no indication on them as to where these pieces were installed. The image above shows several fine pieces; candlesticks, a prie-dieu (prayer kneeler), *, and what appears to be an eternal