Testimonials

Historic, distinctive, creative and wonderful! Prairie Elk Forge’s ironwork for our Arts and Crafts Montana ranch house adds such a unique touch.  Door hardware, chandeliers, andirons, curtain rods, the list goes on – and we keep coming back to have him create more.  George Ainslie worked closely with our architect and cabinetmaker, and has continued to work with us, adding a special accent here and there.  George is a great artist and a great guy.  We couldn’t recommend him more highly.
~ Jan Alton

 

If you are lucky you may get to meet and work with a true artisan only a few times in your life. Mine came with working with George Ainslie of Prairie Elk Forge in Lavina, MT. As the Director of Engineering for a large concessioner in Yellowstone National Park, I had the privilege of working with George on many projects to include the design and creation of many historically correct furnishing and replacement hardware items for The Old Faithful Inn. The Inn is a world renowned National Historical Landmark that was constructed in 1903-1904 by architect Robert Reamer. Some of his efforts involved the design and fabrication of metal and mica light fixtures for the Old Faithful Lodge. His expertise on the use of turn-of-the century time tested methods, tools and equipment only added to his truly artistic pieces of work. To him, the objects are much more than a piece of metal and other materials that were used to fabricate something. They were timeless, historically correct and true pieces of art. George Ainslie is not your average blacksmith. He is in every word a craftsman of the highest quality. Working with George is an experience that you will never forget with his uncanny ability to help you get to a level of satisfaction beyond your wildest dreams.

Barry J. Cantor
Director, Engineering
Xanterra Parks & Resorts (formerly TW Recreational Services)
Yellowstone National Park, WY
1988-2006