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Rose Iron Works
Martin Rose
Synopsis
Martin Rose, born in 1870 in Csepe, Hungary, grew interested in blacksmithing and began apprenticeship at the age of thirteen. He quickly developed unusually high skills, eventually moving to Budapest to work for Jungfer, the premier shop. After becoming a Master, Martin opened a new shop which also rapidly achieved success. Frustrated with increases in taxes, Martin left Hungary in 1903 and emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio where he established Rose Iron Works in 1904.
As his reputation grew steadily, Martin produced a wide variety of commercial work as well as an increasing amount of fine residential metalwork for Cleveland's economic leaders. Rose also traveled to Europe and amassed a collection of Medieval metalwork, used to provide inspiration for both clients and craftsmen.
During the late 1920's Martin met and convinced Paul Fehér, one of Paris' finest designers to join the firm. He and Paul introduced Art Deco design to America, creating the finest Deco metalwork produced in our country during the period.
Martin led the company through the Depression of 1929 and into the pre World War II period, continuing to produce the area's finest wrought ironwork.
Martin Rose's three sons, Steve, Milton and Melvin, who were trained to assist with the management, production and artistic design aspects of the business respectively, gradually took over company management and enabled it to survive the difficult transition to éwar worké required by the times. Martin retired after the war and died in 1955.