About the Artist
     Tools, metal and art have always been an important part of my life.  As a child my father taught me about work, tools and craftsmanship in our Seattle basement shop.  As early as I can remember my mother exposed me to beautifully made glass, carvings and fabric.  My metals education began as a student machinist at Seattle's old Edison Technical School
     Having served a combat tour with the Marines in Vietnam, I entered Western Washington University, where I studied art and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design. After an interesting undersea engineering and design career I started Olympic Forge in Santa Barbara. In 1988 our family returned to the Northwest. Today, Thorne Metals Studio, located in Anacortes, Washington, produces unique metal furnishings, architectural forgings and sculpture for public and private collections. Now three Thorne generations- my father, three sons and I- often work together to create using heat, metal and tools. What a special joy!  ...(continued) 

Visiting the Studio:

To visit Thorne Metals Studio:
We welcome visitors, and ask only that you call first to make an appointment. 

Our phone number is:
(360) 293 8257

Our address is:
Thorne Metals Studio
13751 Daybreak Ln
Anacortes, WA 98221

A Brief History of ironworking
Ironwork is an ancient craft and art form that has been in use for centuries.  What metalsmiths have known all along is that ironwork is incredibly malleable, while at the same time incredibly strong.  It combines elegance with the timeless durability that is a result of steel's natural toughness.  Ironworking is just now making a comeback in the United States, and is growing quickly.  Much of the technique of old has not been passed on, and is being re-invented across the country, by artists and craftsmen like Paul Thorne.