Last year, I was commissioned by the Friends of Apley Woods to create a magical entrance archway to the local ancient woodland. I wanted to use my skills to create an archway that would transport visitors into a fantastical realm. To achieve this, I decided to make the leaves and entwine the lettering with decorative scrollwork that represented vines or brambles, giving a wild and natural feel.

Using my imagination and creativity, I set out to produce something that was not just a simple sign. I wanted it to be a true work of art, with a hint of magic that would enchant visitors. To create the leaves, I used heat-coloured stainless steel. While the first few leaves I produced were disappointing, a chance visit to a national trust property, Wightwick Manor and Gardens, sparked what can only be described as a “pre-Raphaelite eureka moment.”

This led me to research and draw more leaves, which I plasma cut freehand and then ground the shape and texture. I then used an oxy-propane torch to heat-colour the stainless steel, which felt like the modern-day equivalent of using Harry Potter’s elder wand.

Recently, I returned to the arch to freshen up the lettering. I’m proud to say that the arch still stands as a testament to my passion for combining traditional metalworking techniques with imagination and creativity.

The leaves found at National Trust’s Wightwick Manor and Gardens, a pre raphaelite eureka moment for me .

I needed some leaf inspiration, and this was found at National Trust’s Wightwick Manor and Gardens, a pre raphaelite eureka moment for me.

Delicate leaves on a steel arch.

I plasma cut the leaves out in stainless steel . Then oxy propane heat coloured them in a process  of magical alchemy

The arch lettering being fabricated .

Fully galvanised with a sprinkling of stainless leaves . Yummy.

The arch being lifted into position

The back of the arch showing the twisting vine like brambles and scroll work.

Last year, I was commissioned to create a magical entrance archway to Apley Woods by the Friends of Apley Woods. The archway was envisioned as a portal into a magical realm, with decorative scrollwork that entwined the lettering to give a wild and natural feel. To create the archway, heat-coloured stainless steel was used to make the leaves. The leaves were plasma cut freehand, and their shape and texture were ground. The stainless steel was then heat-coloured with an oxy-propane torch.

Recently, the arch was repainted to freshen up the lettering. It still stands as a testament to my passion for combining traditional metalworking techniques with imagination and creativity.

My arch and great photography below  at    https://www.jamiericketts.com/

What a difference the seasons make, a good photo and a bit of snow. If you would like to commission a piece of metal art or sculpture please call me directly Adrian 07813219248. Thanks.  Image courtesy of Jamie Ricketts photography.https://www.jamiericketts.com/