Artistry in Iron moves to East New Orleans Regional Library (on display until February 28, 2022)
5641 Read Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70127

The exhibition Artistry in Iron: Blacksmiths of New Orleans will be on display in the Gallier House exhibit space from Oct. 16th until Nov. 29th. In Artistry in Iron: Blacksmiths of New Orleans, we aim to capture the sources and inspiration behind wrought iron designs in New Orleans and the world of the blacksmiths who created them. Regularly referred to as craftspeople or artisans, their hard-earned skills and interpretation of historical and cross-cultural symbolism should be recognized for their artistic contribution to our city’s landscape. Whether enslaved or free, blacksmiths of color translated techniques learned from apprenticeships with master craftsmen, or elder family or community members, and even their enslavers into symbols of resistance and tributes to their ancestors. Some were compensated for their work; many were not. Nevertheless, blacksmiths comprised a respected group within their communities and a highly valued labor source for their enslavers. 

Most historians of ironwork have insufficiently recognized the significance of African metalworking traditions and symbolism as integral to New Orleans ironwork. The exhibit will take a closer look at the work and working conditions of enslaved and free blacksmiths of color and inspire a greater appreciation of their contributions to the material landscape of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods.

The exhibition is free to the public and funding for this grant has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan.

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.