César Alcoz San Martín

Forged elements, Locksmithing

NAME:

ADDRESS:

Pol. Ind. Kareaga II, Nº 42 – 48270 Markina-Xemein

Website

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

César Alcoz works with iron in his workshop in Markina-Xemein, Vizcaya-Bizkaia. He uses different forging techniques, carrying out works with traditional designs, sometimes combined with other noble materials such as glass, stone or wood.

The pieces he manufactures are his own creations, even though he also carries out other works following the taste and needs of his client, frequently using old iron pieces which have been retrieved. His works are very varied, however, they always revolve around wrought iron: grilles and balconies (restorations and new creations), locksmithing elements (hinges, door knockers, ornamental nails…), illumination elements (lamps, chandeliers, light appliances…), decorative elements (bed headrests, hangers, furniture…).

He is a registered craftsman within the registry of the council of Bizkaia, and he belongs to the Arbaso Association of artisans. He attends different crafts fairs throughout the year, normally within the Basque Country, which is where he carries out most of his works. In the summer of 2016 he took part in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, in Washington, along with other craftsmen, getting to show the Basque traditions and crafts.

APPRENTICESHIP

He learned the craft working from a young age with his father and his brothers at their workshop in Urbiola, Navarra. He continued to broaden his knowledge by means of specialized courses, blacksmith’s get-togethers and books, but, above all, experimenting at the workshop.

SELECTED WORKS

It is worth highlighting his restoration works carried out in balconies and grilles of different palaces throughout the Basque country (Lekeitio, Orozko, Amurrio).