“Ore bends to reason.” That slogan captures the spirit of the Jungfer fémárugyár. The Jungfer fémárugyár Plaque commemorates the metalworking factory of Gyula Jungfer. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable man and his enduring legacy.
Gyula Jungfer was born in Pest in 1841. His family had a tradition in metalworking. His grandfather, András Jungfer, founded a metalworker’s guild in Pest in 1786. Gyula received his industrial license in 1866. He trained in Western Europe before opening his workshop.
In 1872, Jungfer moved his headquarters to Berzsenyi Street. His ornamental metal factory operated there until 1949. That was when it was nationalized. The inscription on the facade read: “Ore bends to reason”. This slogan reflected the factory’s commitment to craftsmanship.
The Jungfer factory expanded rapidly. By 1887, it employed 150 workers. Budapest was developing quickly. There was a high demand for artistic locksmith work. Jungfer’s work stood out because of his transition to wrought iron. He moved away from previously used cast iron techniques. He aimed to revive old ironworking traditions. He combined Renaissance and Baroque designs. He used naturalist plant patterns and Art Nouveau ornaments. He also used technical innovations.
Jungfer achieved international success. His company displayed wrought-iron grilles at the 1878 exhibition in Paris. These pieces won recognition. He received orders from the royal house of Serbia. At the National General Exhibition in 1885, Jungfer won first place in two categories.
One exhibit featured a bouquet of wrought iron roses on a wrought iron table. Princess Stephanie accepted one of the roses. A copper sculpture by Leo Fessler depicted a medieval blacksmith. Jungfer himself was the model for this work. It became the company’s sign. Today, it is part of the Museum of Applied Arts’ collection.
Jungfer’s factory contributed to many famous buildings in Budapest. He did most of the ironwork for the Parliament building. The main gate was a cornerstone of his work. He designed copper knight statues for the roof. He also created silver decorations for an album honoring Imre Steindl.
Other notable works include the gates of the Wenckheim Palace. Also the bronze door fittings in Saint Stephen’s Basilica. He also contributed to churches on Bakáts tér and Rozsák Square. His factory made ironworks for bank buildings. These include the Hungarian General Savings Bank. Its gate is decorated with sunflowers.
Jungfer also designed gates for palaces on Andrássy Avenue. These included the Saxlehner Palace and the Krausz Palace. The Jungfer villa on Városliget Avenue showcased his work. Passers-by can still see the JG monogram on the gate today.
King Franz Joseph visited Jungfer’s factory in 1900. He recognized the quality of the work. Jungfer received awards from the King. These included the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph. He also received the title of Court Metalsmith.
Gyula Jungfer died in 1908. His sons continued his work. His family tomb is in the Kerepesi cemetery. Jungfer’s work transformed Budapest. His gates and fences are lasting testaments to his artistry. The Jungfer fémárugyár Plaque serves as a reminder of this legacy. It celebrates a master craftsman. His work elevated industry to art. His slogan remains true: “Ore bends to reason.”