About Us
At Ironart we are dedicated to handcrafting high quality traditional and contemporary metalwork designs. Established in Bath in 1967 we are still a family run business with a small team of skilled and experienced craftsmen.
If you are looking for wrought iron furniture and fittings we sell a collection of inspiring designs, and we specialise in hand forging techniques that are the sign of true craftsmanship.
We take commissions for bespoke projects and will work with you to develop a design from conception to final installation. Our metalwork is showcased all over the facades and streets of Bath where we are well known for our expertise and great customer service.
We comprise a team of highly skilled craftsmen, between us we have over 80 years practical experience.
Andy Thearle bought the business in 2006 having originally joined the company in 1994 as an apprentice after graduating from a Craft/Design degree. He completed his apprenticeship in Melbourne, Australia where, due to it’s relatively low number of historic buildings, there were plenty of opportunities to explore more contemporary designs resulting in his first private commissions. He has dedicated many years to his craft resulting in a high level of skill and the development of original designs. Andy now runs the business jointly with his wife Nichola.
Andy is also famous amongst friends and family for:
- His love of bicycles (you may well spot him in and around Bath on his pushbike, a tandem or a rickshaw or towing children or a dog) and having cycled solo across the Nullarbor Plain.
- His many and lengthy travels in the wild.
- His love of his shed and his veg.
- Being a great proponent of 'efficiency'
Nic has a Craft/Design degree in Wood, metal & plastics. She is firmly seated in the ‘engine room’ at Ironart and is one of the voices you’re likely to hear on the end of the phone. Nic juggles a busy family life with an endless mountain of (recyclable) paperwork. Nichola is married to Andy.
Luke was apprenticed to Ironart in 1976 and is our most experienced staff member. Luke is a real family man and a keen skier. He is predominantly occupied on site and is a highly skilled fitter with a wealth of experience. He is to be found out and about in the Ironart van most days.
Joined Ironart in 2003. He is a Camberwell sculpture graduate with 20 years experience working for himself and in various forges. He is our most multi-talented person restoring anything from Lancaster bombers to Aston Martins..
Dean was born in Bath and still lives in the local area. He is an experienced member of our team having joined Ironart as an apprentice back in 2000 he’s involved in all aspects of our work and really appreciates the fact that no two of his days are the same.
In 2008 Becca approached Ironart for an apprenticeship. With two young children and a busy home life she had decided to follow her creative heart into the world of metalworking. Since joining the team we’ve added ‘cutting, lineshing, grinding and welding’ to her long list of life skills.
Dominic worked for a year on a kibbutz under the Israeli master smith Uri Hoffi and later chose to continue his apprenticeship with us at Ironart. He is dedicated to his craft and highly skilled on the forge. He is based in the workshop and easily recognisable by his mega-watt smile.
Jason has been working with steel since he was 17, and was awarded his Journeyman’s Certificate by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths when he graduated from Hereford College. Jason hasn’t lived in a conventional ‘house’ since the day he left home, and his current address is a 65ft wide beam narrow boat, which he designed and built himself.
Jim joined Ironart in October 2009 with a National Certificate in Blacksmithing from Hereford College, and a Certificate of Competence from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. In 2006 he was highly commended for a traditionally made gate at the New Forest Show. Jim likes the outdoor life and is inspired by natural organic forms and recycled materials.