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Rose Iron Works
Melvin Rose
Synopsis
Melvin M. Rose, Martin's youngest son, was born in Cleveland in 1919. His early years were spent in the home on E43rd Street which eventually became the company's office. Driven by his father's insistence on European education, Melvin was sent to Vienna to live with a cousin and attend school. His training was cut short by Hitler's activities.
After quickly completing High School at East Tech in Cleveland, Melvin enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Art, becoming one of Viktor Schreckengost's first students in Industrial Design. During this time, Melvin learned to create the exquisite sandblasted glass which the company incorporated into a variety of works.
Upon graduation, Melvin assisted the family with the conversion from decorative to "war work," industrial fabrication. During this period, however, Melvin also enjoyed working with a number of prominent designers to produce a variety of decorative sculptures and murals.
Steve left the firm in 1965 and Milton died in 1969, leaving Melvin at the helm of the company. Melvin's son Bob joined him in 1970 freeing Melvin to once again design the decorative metalwork which has seemed to experience a gradual resurgence since the late 1990s.
Currently in his 90's, Melvin works a stringent, daily routine, fondly assisted by his daughter Barbara, designing metalwork for a cadre of loyal patrons. Some of his most rewarding moments are spent giving tours and teaching those interested in our craft. Melvin was honored with the Cleveland Arts Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2008 in recognition of his artistic design as well as stewardship of our 100 plus year old company.