Historical Prince-Smiths in Zwettl threatens-future uncertain!
Historical Prince-Smiths in Zwettl threatens-future uncertain!
Zwettl, Österreich - in a picturesque angle of Zwettl, where the Zwettl flows into the Kamp, the traditional Prince-forge is located. Known for her authenticity and historical details, she not only surprises with her charismatic ambience, but also with the rhythmic hammering that blows over from there on some days. The smoke, which rises from the old chimney, tells the stories of past times when forging played a central role in society.
The history of the smithy in the Zwettltal can be traced back to 1475, with the first documented records from 1554. At this historical place, the art of forging in the Fürst family has been passed on from generation to generation since 1823. The operator, Friedrich Fürst, continues the tradition and specialized in the production of different tools. This creates spades, nails, horseshoes and even car wheels, driven by a eating that is heated with hard coal.
The art of smithy in the change in times
forging has a long and fascinating story. About 5,000 years ago, the ability to create objects using fire was recognized as particularly valuable. In antiquity, smithy were closely associated with the deities of Hephaisto and volcanic. This high social position was also reflected in Germanic mythology, where Schmiedekunst was recognized by the story of Siegfried, the dragon slayer. With the advent of guilds in the 12th century, smithy was named according to their materials or products, which led to a diversification of the job profiles. Rubig reports that the forging was created long before our time and earlier Occupy India and Egypt.
The prince's smithy not only combines tradition, but also modern techniques. In 1970 it was modernized and is operated by sustainable hydropower. These adjustments are necessary to survive in today's market. Despite all this progress, Friedrich Fürst plans to sell or lease the smithy because there is no family successor. It would be a shame about this place that, despite the challenges of modern times, attracts many people, including school classes who can experience the forging trade up close.
The future of blacksmiths
In view of the development of technology and change in society, the traditional craft faces enormous challenges. The distribution of industrially manufactured products threatened many village forging in their existence, such as show sources from different epochs . The high time of the art forge between 1870 and 1920 produced numerous new technical developments, with materials such as Damascus steel and stainless steel, which brought a new upswing. After the world wars, however, blacksmithing experienced a renaissance, characterized by craftsmanship techniques that shaped many younger smiths.Friedrich Fürst and his Prince-forge are a lively testimony to this traditional craftsmanship. So it remains to be hoped that the Prince-Schauba has a place in the heart of Zwettl in the future-not only as a place of craft, but also as a cultural heritage that keeps the history and tradition of forging alive.
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| Ort | Zwettl, Österreich |
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