Please join us for a special evening with Bob Rose, President of Rose Iron Works, Inc., at the WRHS Cleveland History Center in University Circle. Bob is the third generation of the Rose Family to lead this storied decorative metal manufacturer founded in Cleveland in 1904 by his grandfather, Martin Rose.  

As we enjoy the winter holiday season, we, at times, find ourselves gathered with family and friends around the warmth of the fireplace and decorative hearth.  During this special program, Bob Rose will share a survey of screens and other decorative tools used for the fireplace designed and produced by his family business over the past 100 years. The program will feature sketches, drawings, and finished products.

Through the early 1950s, Rose Iron Works was led by Martin Rose and was one of the nation's leading designers and creators of ornamental and functional works in wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloys, and glass.  The company created objects for homes, stores, restaurants, and public buildings. Their work won many awards, including the Cleveland Museum of Art's May Shows.  Martin Rose died in 1955, and his sons Melvin, Stephen, and Milton continued his work. During and after the war periods, industrial work, such as fabricated equipment for thermal processing and industrial hand tools made up the majority of the company's work. The company remained in the Rose family, with Bob Rose, grandson of the founder, named president in 1995.

Today, Rose Iron Works continues to enjoy a reputation of excellence among Cleveland's arts, culture and architectural communities.  In fact, Rose Iron Works' work can be found in homes and in numerous public and religious institutions around the city, state and country.  This year, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosted a spectacular exhibit about the company, "Rose Iron Works and Art Deco."  During this special fireside conversation, Bob shares stories about his family and the business of metalworking in the 21st century. 

Bob will also provide a glimpse into the 17th World Congress on Art Deco, which recently took place in Paris and at which he was invited to lecture.