Chris Hubbard

Practicing the art of blacksmithing at Garfield Farm Tavern Museum as a volunteer interpreter means that Chris Hubbard knows traditional methods and tools of blacksmithing. He combines traditional and contemporary techniques and creates both reproduction and original designs, often collaborating with other artists.

Statement: Hubbard volunteers at Garfield Farm in LaFox, Illinois, serving as the blacksmith at outdoor events and helping out as needed at other events. At Garfield Farm, an 1840s stagecoach tavern and farm, he teaches beginning and advanced blacksmithing to workshop students, including Prairie Oak Artisan's Patrick Pfeifer. In his art of blacksmithing, he can teach us something of history and how people lived in times past by reproducing traditional designs. His own contemporary designs brings bring blacksmithing into our century to products useful today. Using both modern metal working equipment, such as welders, a powerhammer, and a gas forge, and period equipment, such as an antique coal forge, anvils, and antique tongs, in a shop in his garage, Hubbard makes available to us the rich dark beauty of hand wrought iron. Hubbard works cooperatively with other artists such as woodworkers to produce furniture, and with our own Frank Carter who makes the tile mosaic tops for Hubbard's iron garden table bases.

Media: Hand wrought iron.


Historic candlestick designs	Reproduction Kitchen set	Garden/Kitchen table base

Customization available: Blacksmithing by tradition is based on making functional objects to custom order. From hooks to candle holders to tools to furniture, send us an idea or a sketch and Chris will work with you.

Pricing and Ordering information: The lead time on custom iron work can vary from several weeks to several months. Call (630) 393-4598 with questions or ideas.

Prairie Oak Artisans
Gallery in Mineral Point, WI (608) 987-3757 Consulting in Warrenville, IL (630) 393-4598

email: karma@REMOVEBEFORESENDINGprairieoakartisans.com