2025
Addition of the tourism sector, guided tours, forging demonstrations, introductory watchmaking workshops and high-level forging training.
Watchmaking training with CFH Geneva (Romain Francès)
Purchase of another watchmaking lathe from Switzerland (Schaublin 102)
2024
Design and prototyping of a new watch model: "RF-001".
Watchmaking training with CFH Geneva (Romain Francès)
2022
Official addition of the watchmaking sector to the company. Revisions, restorations, designs.
Watchmaking training with the CFH in Geneva and TL Watchmaking Bretagne.
2020
Member of the Quebec Living Heritage Council.
Member of the Quebec Council of Arts and Crafts
Consultant for the establishment of a study on forging by the Quebec Living Heritage Council.
2019
Establishment of a French ironwork training course in collaboration with the Conseil des Métiers d’Art du Québec and the Forges de Montréal.
Exhibition at the Salon Maestria (CMAQ)
2018
Relocation of the company and workshops to the Eastern Townships.
2016
Professional Artisan Member of the Quebec Council of Arts and Crafts (since 2013)
Director on the board of directors of Forges de Montréal (since 2012)
Member of the Corporation of Arts and Crafts of Quebec in Estrie (since 2011)
Member of the Mauricie Arts and Crafts Group
Participation in the Restoration and Reproduction of Old Wrought Iron Works training course organized by the Conseil des Métiers d’art du Québec
Acquisition of a second drop hammer for the workshop, partly financed by SODEC.
Added a second forge to accommodate more students during blacksmithing classes.
2015
Marketing of a range of tools for all trades, handcrafted in the workshop: Les Outils FRANCÈS.
Company relocation to Mauricie, Qc
2007
Registration with the Quebec business registrar:
Ilmarinen Forge artistic ironwork, locksmithing
Romain Francès, Master Artisan Ironworker
Member of the Brotherhood of Blacksmiths of Quebec
2004-2007
Blacksmithing demonstration at the Steiner school in Waterville (QC)
Forging demonstration as part of the Comptonales (2007 to 2014)
2003-2004
Lyon and Montargis in the workshops of Joël Orgiazzi
Classical French style works
Departure for Quebec
Company: Orgiazzi workshops
2002-2003
Workers' Association of the Companions of Duty
Master's Degree in Artistic Ironwork at the International School of French Ironwork (EIFF) in Muizon
Art drawing, technical drawing, plan reading, geometry.
Internal artistic ironwork competition at the Compagnonnage
Many visits: Iron Museum, Art Nouveau Museum and Place Stanislas in Nancy
Visit and study of the Le Secq d'Étournelles museum in Rouen
Exchange with the Meisterschulen in Munich (Germany); Joint production of works with German Masters students
Meeting, debates and presentation of works with Mr Stephan Forler and Mr Otto Baier
(German artists creating contemporary urban sculptures)
Creation of an exhibition and demonstration of forging for a month at the House of Tools and Workers' Thought in Troyes (library studies)
Creation of a staircase railing designed by Pierre Gaucher
2001-2002
Workers' Association of the Companions of Duty
Exam passed: CPP (Professional Development Certificate) Brethenoux company locksmithing, metalwork, ironwork
Internal artistic ironwork competition within the guild
Internships: technical drawing, plan reading at the Maison des Compagnons in Angers
2000-2001
Workers' Association of the Companions of Duty
Year in Marseille (Roquefort la Bédoule. Company: Saragala, street furniture, metalwork, locksmithing.
Internal artistic ironwork competition at the Compagnonnage
Internships: technical drawing, carpentry, ramps and staircase at the Maison des Compagnons in Nîmes
Participation in a blast furnace demonstration in Antibes
Carrying out some forging work at JM Grés and S. Chevalier (Atelier Profero)
Private project with "l'atelier profero": installation of a wrought iron fence in the mountains at Dignes
Work requested by an artist to mystify ruins: 1.5 hours of hiking with tools in backpacks and helicopter winching
Many visits: iron museum, cathedrals, abbeys.
1998-2000
Entry into the Workers' Association of the Companions of Duty of the Tour de France in Rennes (Brittany)
Company: Alré Métal in Auray; standard locksmithing and forging
Discovery of a particular interest in artistic locksmithing and artistic ironwork.
Exams passed: CAP metal structures, locksmithing and BEP metal structures/locksmithing
“One of the best apprentices in France” competition, metalwork specialty, organized by the Society of the Best Craftsmen of France
