This processing has ancient origins, and employs one of the materials most used by mankind. Hot iron work is done by heating the metal to red heat by means of a forge, and then striking it on the anvil or using other systems, giving it shapes which can be of a practical (grates, railings, gates) or purely ornamental use (lamps, chandeliers or other interior decoration items). This work is done exclusively by hand, and this makes it easy to customise items which can be made according to the customer’s drawings, adapting them to different kinds of architecture. In Pietrasanta, one can still find examples of this difficult art, which has been handed down from generation to generation. These are small companies, whose strength lies in quality. Besides iron working, these forges can make copper items, using the embossing technique, which consists of making items or depicting scenes of life on copper sheets, using special chisels to create relief. Here, often in partnership with foundries, but also in an independent fashion, one can make classical style portals, of the kind to be seen in our churches or in classical style buildings. Here too, work can be done for ecclesiastical use, such as tabernacles and monstrances, and in any case work to be done also using composite materials of any style.
Our area also has a company which has been designing, making and marketing tools for marble and gypsum work for generations. These tools are made by hand and exported around the world. Compasses, rasps, knives, chisels and spatulas, but also manual machines for enlargements or reductions. Tools are also custom made for sculptors.