Gustav Vigeland's work with wrought iron for Vigeland Park began in 1923-24 when he contacted the Bilgrei company. The blacksmith Alfred Mikkelsen took on the task of executing the first four dragon panels, which are now part of the main gate to Vigeland Park. The dragon medallions were exhibited at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in Oslo in 1927.

In 1928, Vigeland established a forge outside his studio, near what is now the Vigeland Museum, between the studio and Solheimsgata. Blacksmith Alfred Mikkelsen became the head of the forge. Vigeland initially drew the composition on millimeter paper in a 1:10 scale, and then a craftsman drew the full-size drawing. Vigeland made adjustments, and based on these, the blacksmiths created their own working drawings by transferring them onto tracing paper.

The forge was equipped with traditional tools, but modern equipment was also used. All types of industrially produced standard iron were used in the forge. Forging and welding were used interchangeably. In 1928, there were five blacksmiths working in Vigeland's forge, and a total of twelve craftsmen worked directly under Vigeland's supervision in his studio, performing tasks such as plaster molding or stone carving.

There was a great mutual respect between Vigeland, referred to as the master, and the blacksmiths.