Custom Oberon's Gateway - Part I

A dear friend of mine named George (and valued customer I might add) up in Washington state e-mailed me about doing a door knocker version of Oberon's Gateway (OG) for him. By door knocker he meant an OG that featured a striker of some kind that a person could use to strike the keys and alert the home owner that someone was home. After we exchanged a few laughs over how impractical that really is he still wanted to press forward for the sake of the art. Well I couldn't agree more! Plus he's willing to pay for it! :)

So I went out looking for an appropriate striker and came up with this to try (right). It's a antique cast iron key hole cover. There we a few other possibilities but this goes along with the key theme from the original Oberon's Gateway'. There will also of course need to be a few alterations to the original design too. I don't think it would do to simply drill a hole in the bottom and hang this striker. So I worked up this concept sketch for George to approve.

It still has the character of the original design with a little extra embellishment at the bottom. I still may simplify it more once I actually start to fabricate it. I won't know really until the piece starts to take shape. I plan to post the progress in stages over the next week.

I want to use this project as an example of my willingness to listen to my customers and try to create something together. I know George will love this even if no one else does because it was his idea and personal to him. If you have an idea let me know!

Look for Part II soon!