Manuka Forge is located in the foothills of the rocky mountains just outside Cochrane,
Alberta. Our artist blacksmith, John Monteath has created architectural ironwork and
metal sculpture in the Calgary area since 1996. Our aim is to create highly customized,
hand crafted wrought iron pieces using hot forging, traditional joinery and other
blacksmithing techniques, and repoussé work. We use a variety of metals including
steel, copper and bronze to produce balustrades, juliet balconies, fireplace screens,
wrought iron railings, high end furniture, custom light fixtures and sculpture.
Originally from a small farm in southern New Zealand, John began his career in the more industrial metal trades, working throughout New Zealand and Australia. In 1995 he moved to Calgary, with his partner Brenda Field, where he was able to pursue his passion for creative blacksmithing and combine that with a burgeoning interest in sculpture, design and architecture. In 2003, John and Brenda created Manuka Forge to combine John's inherent feel for the metal and Brenda's keen eye for design and finishing to create the pieces you see here. In 2006 they moved Manuka Forge to an acreage outside Cochrane where they continue to forge and create for local and international clients.
"Hot forging, working the metal, directing the movement and capturing the moment, liberating the inherent biotic nature of the seemingly inert steel... this is my art."
Originally from a small farm in southern New Zealand, John began his career in the more industrial metal trades, working throughout New Zealand and Australia. In 1995 he moved to Calgary, with his partner Brenda Field, where he was able to pursue his passion for creative blacksmithing and combine that with a burgeoning interest in sculpture, design and architecture. In 2003, John and Brenda created Manuka Forge to combine John's inherent feel for the metal and Brenda's keen eye for design and finishing to create the pieces you see here. In 2006 they moved Manuka Forge to an acreage outside Cochrane where they continue to forge and create for local and international clients.
"Hot forging, working the metal, directing the movement and capturing the moment, liberating the inherent biotic nature of the seemingly inert steel... this is my art."
