Born and raised in Stoughton, Wisconsin, I have been interested in art and working with my hands since an early age. While living in Colorado I had my first exposure to blacksmithing at a local welding shop, and I was hooked. I moved back to Wisconsin soon after that to enroll in the welding program at Madison Area Technical College. I honed my welding skills and learned much about metallurgy in this course. I had an instructor that knew of a local artist/blacksmith in the area that had taken on apprentices before.

Images © Luke Proctor

 

After we talked for a few months he agreed to have me come out and start an apprenticeship. I ended up apprenticing for three years then stayed on and did production work for two more years after that. In 2007 I had a chance to purchase a house and an old blacksmith shop next to the house. I did so and took the next year renovating the shop a lot and the house a little. I opened L. Proctor Ironworks in 2008 and have been producing hand forged home decor ironwork in the arts and crafts style and showing at fine craft shows including American Craft Council shows in Baltimore, Atlanta, and St. Paul, as well as other shows around the country.

On all three days Luke will be making assorted hooks, key chains and candle holders. He will use many different blacksmithing techniques, including basic tappers, curls, scrolls, flairs, and will also make some ginkgo and aspen leaves.

STUDIO ACCESS: Luke's s tudio is located on Hwy 92 in Mt. Vernon, the front of the shop is on a steep incline, but access from his driveway to the left side is easier to walk up, there is a gravel path.

L. Proctor Ironworks
1712 Hwy 92, Mount Horeb, WI 53572 | 608-832-6331 | lproctoriron@yahoo.com | lproctorironworks.com