WILL MAGUIRE

WHY HIRE WILL THE BLACKSMITH

A blacksmith is traditionally someone who creates objects from iron or through the process of forging – i.e. using tools to heat the material then hammer, bend and cut. This is your chance to support the vanguard of this vibrant transformation of an age old craft. It is ideally suited to practical and sculptural applications with its tactility, strength, freedom in design and durability.

TRAINING

Will Maguire must have been born a blacksmith. During his school years he embarked on the project of building his own small blacksmith workshop. With the support of family, he acquired some blacksmith tools and began his journey with hot iron. After completing a four year dual trade as a blacksmith and boilermaker at Forgemasters Australia, Will flew to Europe to work with renowned contemporary blacksmiths in England, Russia and Japan on large architectural commissions, heritage restoration and contemporary sculpture. Later, he also studied botanical illustration at The University of Newcastle

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

In 2009 Will returned to Australia to set up his own workshop in the Hunter Valley NSW where he designs and makes bespoke items and collaborates with other artists and designers to produce individual works of art. In 2016 Will was invited as a Master Blacksmith to design and lead the making of a panel for a 12 tonne WW1 Peace Monument in Ypres Belgium. Will has exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea Bondi in 2014, completed a 5 tonne Steelworkers memorial in Newcastle, public art in Tarcutta and North Wagga in NSW and Canberra ACT as well as many private commissions.