From Rust to Reverence: Transforming a Lug Wrench into an Iconic Celtic Cross
When three young boys discovered an old, rusty lug wrench in the Donaghmore River, they believed they had stumbled upon treasure—a sword, perhaps. In a way, they had. The wrench, caked in layers of rust and time, found its way into Jim McKee’s gallery, where it waited for its next chapter. When Jim presented the piece to me, it was love at first sight.
There was something about the aged steel that spoke to me. I knew almost instantly that this forgotten object was destined to become a modern homage to the iconic Donaghmore Celtic Cross—a piece of local history that stands as a symbol of heritage and resilience.
A Story Hidden Beneath the Surface
The Donaghmore High Cross itself is a relic with a story deeply intertwined with Irish history. Erected in 1776, it had been buried during Ireland’s turbulent times in the early 1600s, lying hidden underground for years, only to be unearthed and restored. In many ways, the rusty lug wrench paralleled this journey. Estimated to have been submerged for 60 to 80 years, this piece of iron had its own battle with time, covered in deep layers of rust that told the story of its long rest in the river.
Bringing this relic back to life was no small feat. It took me nearly a full day of meticulous cleaning, using wire brushes and sandpaper to gently peel back the years while preserving the patina that gave the steel its character. The goal wasn’t to make it perfect but to let it shine while still showing its age, reminding us of the wrench’s journey.
Crafting a Base as Timeless as the Cross Itself
For the base, I knew the steel deserved an equally timeless partner. I chose a tall stand made from pitch pine—wood as old and beautiful as the steel itself—to give the cross the authority and presence it deserved. To further honor the Celtic heritage of Donaghmore, I carefully etched intricate Celtic knots into the wood, then accented them with gold, creating a striking contrast against the dark base.
The entire project took about a week, from receiving the wrench to completing the transformation. The end result was something new, born from something old. The cross now stands tall, embodying a sense of pride, heritage, and connection to the local area. It’s a reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places.
A Connection to History
When Jim first handed me the wrench, he admitted he had been storing it in the back of his gallery for months. He knew it had a purpose, but it wasn’t until we spoke that the vision came together. As Jim said, “It was like it called to me.” He trusted me to let the piece speak for itself, and when he saw the final transformation, he was blown away. Now, Jim has other projects in mind for me, and I look forward to unearthing new stories from old objects.
This project reaffirmed my love for uncovering hidden beauty. I hope this cross resonates with people in the same way it does for me, evoking pride in our shared heritage and inspiring others to look for diamonds in the rough.
If you have an old, forgotten piece that you think holds unexpected beauty, I would love the opportunity to transform it into art that tells its own story.