Olga’s wrought iron art is known worldwide, but she now focuses on Europe: ‘No more spending weeks in Dubai’
Olga Surova (58) from Hazerswoude-Dorp runs an international company in wrought iron art. A wrought iron staircase even graces a royal palace in Qatar.
What exactly do you do?
“In 2014 I started Ox-Iron Art, specializing in exclusive custom-made ironwork. I have a background in both engineering and design and also worked at Philips for many years. My company creates balustrades, staircases, gates, fences—everything in the field of forged and cast metalwork. As designer and project coordinator, I am personally involved in every assignment. Our clients come from across Europe and beyond.”
You immediately entered the high-end segment—how did that happen?
„“We presented ourselves at trade fairs such as Big Five Global and INDEX in Dubai. With a very small booth—since these fairs are extremely expensive—but we received assignments right away.”
Even with the royal family of Qatar?
“Yes, a very large project: a gold-colored wrought iron staircase in one of the palaces.”
There is also a connection with Ukraine, where you originally come from?
“Indeed, I work with a specialized forge near Kyiv, where my brother is involved. The forge existed even before I founded Ox-Iron Art.”
And then the war broke out—how was that?
“At first there was some panic, but we completed the projects as planned. The forge has continued working ever since, and transport has never been an issue.”
What are your plans for the future?
“I receive requests from all over the world, from the Middle East to South America, but in recent years I have been focusing mainly on Europe. The long-distance projects are extremely demanding. I no longer want to spend weeks on end in Dubai.”
Morvenna Goudkade