 When he was young, handsome and had more hair! |
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 Bill demonstrating colonial blacksmithing. |
William Fitzgerald
Master Blacksmith
For seven generations there have been blacksmiths in the Fitzgerald family; men who worked their trade with skill and with pride -- from the farms of County Limerick in Ireland, to the horse counties of Westchester and Putnam in New York, and Fairfield in Connecticut
Since 1973, up until just recently, I had continued my family's tradition caring for horses. Along the way I developed my artistic skills. I can make a handmade nail, one-of-a-kind fireplace tools, a pair of custom iron gates, tables, lamps, chairs, a chess set, or anything else that uniquely fits your needs.
I have demonstrated the antique art of blacksmithing in New York at Muscoot Farm, Teatown Lake Reservation, Smith Tavern and Van Cortlandt Manor. And have been the subject of a documentary film on blacksmithing.
As a farrier and a blacksmith, I have been a contributing consultant for Back to Basics, a how-to-craft book published by Readers Digest.
For me, custom ironwork preserves the best of the ancient traditions; It is making something of beauty that will long outlive its original use.
By Hammer By Hand is a gift shop located approximately fifty miles north of New York City in Putnam County. It's a short hop from Westchester, Dutchess and Fairfield Counties. Here my wife, Phyllis and I bring together many unique, all-occasion gifts and household items, including iron items made by me.