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12TH WROUGHT IRON ART MEETING

The members of the Catalan wrought iron art association, which is well known in Europe, is glad to prepare the next wrought iron art meeting. It will take place in Arles sur tech from the 14 th to the 16 th of October 2011. The last meeting - in 2009 – was a great success. In 2009 over 150 blacksmiths and iron crafts men from France, but also from European countries and even from Japan made three works of art which can be seen at the entrance of the villages of, « LA BASTIDE » and « ARLES SUR TECH » to enrich our local patrimony. These works of art were part of a project aiming to enrich all the villages along what used to be the iron road. This year three original works of art will be given to three different villages. Each project is given to an iron craftsman: Miguel XIRAU from south Catalonia for the village of “FILLOLS”, Jeff DECRAENNE from Belgium, for “BAILLESTAVY” and the Association ACUNC lead by Mr. Amat from South Catalonia, for ARLES SUR TECH. We wager, this year, once again many wrought iron craftsmen and blacksmiths will be present to exchange their techniques, their knowledge, and show their talent to the public. Who knows, some young people might find their vocation ? This year the knife Brotherhood of TIE from “THIERS” will also be present. People participating will be able to make their own knife and leave with it. The ambition of this 12th wrought iron art meeting is to pass on the skills, share each other’s knowledge and culture in an atmosphere of fraternity, solidarity and friendship. We will be waiting for you from the 14 th to the 16 th of October 2011 in Arles sur Tech. Clic here to take part. Contact us Office du tourisme (Marléne) : 04 68 39 11 99 or arles.tourismes@neuf.fr	___

THE “FERRONNERIE CATALANE” ASSOCIATION

History The association was founded in 1998 with the support of Arles sur Tech’s Town Hall, professionals from the CAPEB (The small building trade companies and craft industrie's union), and the Guild Chamber. The association counts amongst its members: French or foreign professional wrought-iron craftsmen, retired wrought-iron craftsmen, artists, associations, and public organizations. The association’s first aim is to develop and promote wrought-iron art through the Catalan one.
In order to preserve this patrimony the association leads several projects:
Exhibition and promotion of local wrought iron craftsmen’s work. ( Displaying their pieces of work.)
Research ( By collecting documents and publications related to mining in the past and ancestral techniques.) Meetings for national and international wrought iron art professionals. ( By organizing annual professional meetings “Wrought Iron Art Meetings” every year on the second weekend of October, during three days. An exhibition is held, materials and techniques are displayed. Tool suppliers participate by lending tools and materials ).
Clic here to see how to make a frog
ARLES SUR TECH MINE WORKER'S HISTORY

Since Antiquity, the population of the actual Catalonia, aware of the natural resources of their underground exploit them. Antiquity miner's science was experimental they were interested by two mineral forms: Iron oxides, these were easily found because they show on the surface. Hydrated iron oxides
It can be stated that iron production sites such as Batère are existing since the II nd C before Christ The first written information referring to mining activities in the Vallespir, particularly concerning Arles sur Tech's monastery are from the XII th C before Christ. When Catalan forges appeared Arles sur Tech became the capital of iron of Vallespir. The iron museum (situated in the crypt next to the cloister) reveals a surprising collection of ores and minerals.
Posters of documents and photographies relate the miners' history, the working and transport evolution throughout the centuries. Working conditions were difficult because of the hilly surrounding area. These documents also explain that air transport appeared during the XX th C making it possible to link Batère and Arles sur Tech by air, iron became then competitive on the national market.