Diós Tibor

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It was a hot summer, the forge-work cruelly makes to sweat. A traditionalist association ordered a dozen ornate shields. I thought I’d better get up early in the morning until it was cooler. Windows were opened, down the shirt. I put the ear-protector, and started to forge the iron. I worked for awhile, when got thirsty. Stepping to the window, I saw a group of sleepy-eyed girls standing in the yard, peeking inside with desperate. I forgot that the summer free school began that day. The participants arrived last evening.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .

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I also owe to the Free Art School Mór to become a blacksmith and locksmith. I arrived here to study wood carving, but the smith asked me to help him a bit. I have found my real profession, and now tasks find me. To prepare the figures to the astronomical clock of Székesfehérvár, I only received some simple drafts. The art director said: ‘Bend a little more here and there…’ The others were left to me. To finish the figures of the Hungarian kings and burghers I needed two years. It is said that I am a good coach. The only female horseshoer of Hungary is of this town, Mór. I taught her. The petite-sized young lady loves horses, and has a high recognition in this profession.

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Observing the harsh smell of glowing charcoal, and rhythmic clinks of the hammer, we immediately know that the smith is working here. He converted this workshop from a ruined lodgement of servants at the count Lamberg mansion by himself. Along the smoky walls, blackened in 20 years, are iron gates and palisades, just made. The object of vine pattern was made in two months. It will get a cover by fire zincing, then no need to paint – at least 20 years no rusting.

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Everything is esteemed here, although second-hand acquisitions. This machinery served even 100 years ago. The anvil is an old piece; he will not give up it. “I knew an old blacksmith. The centre of his anvil was deeply worn out, but he was able to hammer a straight cant-hook.” Apart from his traditionalism, his thinking is very modern. Even the companies help him, if he ask modern technology. He commissions hand-size, frilly leaves by laser cutting, and he gives an order to bend thick iron rods with pressing machine. The time must be reserved tor the fine works.

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A lot depends on the fire as well. He use high quality Polish coal only, it is glowing long. While he gladly talks on the secrets of his craft, he routinely passes a hammer to us. “Please, try it!” he says, and we try to make a curve of the glowing iron rod. It is no coincidence that the others seek his companion. If somebody wanders into his smithery (a hesitant procurer, a sculptor asking expert advise, an interior designer who need new ideas, or someone arrived just for a little joy), surely not come in vain.

20/11/2010 Mór

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Some personal details:

Founding member, Open School for Fine and Applied Arts, Mór. Member, Association of Székesfehérvár Artisans. A lot of his works were accepted by the Committee of Folk Art. His workmates were Ildikó Várnagy, Benedek Nagy (sculptors), and Mária Ecsedi (graphic artist). He organised two meetings of smiths in Mór, arriving smithery masters from the whole country. He participated in several similar meetings abroad. He regularly makes workshop-performances for tourist or expert groups.

+36-30-258-2756

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