The flying anvil blacksmith

Producing both functional and artistic wrought iron works of his own design and working with clients to produce collaborative designs, Les crafts a large range of bespoke furniture, garden and interior pieces across classical and contemporary styles. His work will be featured on Australian Grand Designs soon. 

Ironwork has been used throughout the centuries to express a range of traditional and classical styles including: rococo, French provincial, art deco, art nouveau, modern, and post modern. 

Inspired by the great German, Austrian, Swiss and French blacksmiths, artists and artisans, Les’s work alternates from the rigidity and skill of Fritz Kuhn and Otto Schmirler to the whimsical humour of Diego Giacometti and the much loved drawings of Leunig’s Mr Curly.

Blacksmithing and metalworking for over 35 years has seen Les work solo and collaboratively with other artisans on award winning commissions.

Victorian Architecture Award – Award of Merit 1997

- working with Chic Metal Works with a team of three blacksmiths for ironwork restoration Regent Theatre, Melbourne.

Master Builders Association – Award of Excellence 1998-2003

- working with Chic Metal Works with a team of three blacksmiths, for ironwork including lighting, balustrades and table irons, in 

- the Jewel, St Kilda Road Melbourne 

- the Toorak Corporate Centre, Toorak, and 

- the Exchange Tower, Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

Les worked for many years with Stuart Rattle Interior Design and Kim Moir Furniture on a range of commissions for private residences and businesses. Other clients include Peppers Luxury Mineral Springs Retreat, The All Saints Church St Kilda, Toff in Town Bar, Spontinos Restaurant, Gaudions Antique Shop, Brooklawn Mansion St Kilda, Catherine Young Optometrist, Singapore High Commission Canberra, Cosi Restaurant, Killesta College Springvale, The Old Post Office and Fitz Best Realty Korumburra, Toorak Primary School, The Garden at Broughton Hall, Barkley Hotel St Kilda, Government House Melbourne, Cannibal Creek Winery, Drouin West Cemetary, Anne Middleton Gallery, BJS Insurance, Toorak Primary School, Guras Cacoa.

Les has worked for artist HeatherBSwann on pieces exhibited at the Setouchi Triennale, Teshima Island Japan, Hobart Museum of Art and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Flying Anvil

Services include: boutique iron, wrought iron, balustrades, gates, security doors, screen doors, iron art, iron sculpture, metal furniture, garden seating, door hardware, lighting and more. 

Based in Melbourne, works Australia-wide.