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 piece, entitled “Escutcheon”, by master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958) is one of the finest examples of repoussé that I have ever seen. It is made from 16 gauge (1/16″ thick) iron, demonstrating the elastic nature of iron. This piece, with it’s cherubs, laurels, ribbons, along with a crown with
These are images from a repair job for a client whose iron fence had been struck by a car. The fence was made by Cyril Colnik. Repairing and restoring vintage ironwork has many rewards and also some surprises. In this case, the surprise was how Colnik solved a joint problem
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
“Reproduction Chandelier” , 2004, mild steel, black Gilders paste finish Two of the installations in this blog have dealt with repoussé elements applied to a reproduction of a Cyril Colnik chandelier, made for the “Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion” back in 2004. (See above image.) In this installment, I would like
Cyril Colnik (1871-1958) was born in Triebein, Austria on September 20th, 1871. He traveled Europe as a journeyman, and later enrolled in to the Munich Indiustrial Art School. Germany adopted him, and sent him to help with their ironwork exhibit at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago. It is
After forging decorative and architectural ironwork for over 30 years, there seems to be no end to design possibilities in sight. The thrill of discovery, of new forms, of yet untried motifs, has me returning to the drawing board, and consequently to the fire with anticipation. This is the stuff
Blacksmith Francis Whitaker, (1906 -1999) was in Germany for two years working for Master Blacksmith Julius Schramm. Schramm (1870 – 1945) asked a young Francis how he was to address a specific problem on a stand to hold a large bowl. Francis replied to the master that he would simply
Master Blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958) came to the United States in 1893 along with the German government to the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition. Born on September 20th in Triebein, Austria, Colnik initially studied metalwork locally. According to guild tradition, he then traveled Europe as a journeyman, which brought him to
NAUMAN’S NORTHERN SCHOOL FOR BLACKSMITHS
