About Me

As a young boy growing up in Louisville, KY, I was active, artistic and unique. One unique quirk is that growing up, I loved my parents fireplace set. I really can’t explain it but it was cool, heavy and seemed like it was something you find in a Agatha Christie novel, a mountain cabin or just in a home that centered around the fireplace, much like mine did growing up. I loved it so much that through the years of heading off to college, moving to New York and Atlanta that the uniqueness of the fireplace tools stayed with me.

Even as time changed and I grew older, the fondness remained. In fact so much did that fondness stay that after ~20 years of shuttering its beautiful tools, I am bringing them back. Using the original molds and techniques that made these tools so beautiful (& functional all those years ago).

Revival of Tradition: Bandana Bronze Works’ Artistic Fireplace Tools

Bandana Bronze Works, founded in 1973 by Mae Jones and PeeWee Watson in Louisville, Kentucky, is renowned for its extraordinary, hand-crafted tools, tables, gates, fences, andirons, and fireplace tool sets. Each piece, meticulously cast from bronze and adorned with a wooden handle, transcends functionality to become a captivating work of art.

After a hiatus of over ~20 years, Bandana Bronze Works is experiencing a revival, driven by a commitment to honor its heritage while embracing new design possibilities. The company remains dedicated to producing high-quality, hand-made goods that resonate with individuals who appreciate craftsmanship and artistry.

Preserving the time-honored techniques of the past, Bandana Bronze Works continues to use sand casting—a process where molten metal is poured into compacted sand molds. This method yields unique, intricately detailed pieces, each possessing its own distinct character and charm.

The company’s signature style is further defined by its incorporation of six iconic animal designs: the fox, horse, duck, dog, stag, and steer. Chosen for their symbolic representations of qualities like cunning, strength, grace, loyalty, nobility, and abundance, these meticulously crafted animal figures infuse each creation with a touch of whimsy and personality.

Bandana Bronze Works takes immense pride in its choice of wood for handles, primarily utilizing Walnut and Ash—woods celebrated for their strength, durability, and beauty. This choice not only reflects the company’s commitment to quality but also pays homage to Louisville’s rich woodworking heritage, as Ash is the same wood used in crafting the iconic Louisville Slugger baseball bats.

The choice of animal heads featured in Bandana Bronze Works’ designs holds a deeper significance. They represent a harmonious blend of elements that resonate with both human needs and our appreciation for beauty and history.

Firstly, the inclusion of animals like dogs and horses reflects the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions, symbolizing loyalty, friendship, and service. Secondly, the use of animal heads also speaks to the functional aspect of the designs. Animals like steers and stags have historically been utilized for their strength and resources, highlighting the practical utility embedded within the artistic creations. Lastly, the intricate details and lifelike representations of these animals evoke a sense of beauty and timelessness, connecting the present to the rich history of craftsmanship and artistic show.