A method of producing a display item of metalwork from sheet metal, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a digital image file containing an image of a subject; filtering the digital image file such that the resulting filtered image has increased contrast and enhanced edge definition; deleting unwanted parts of the filtered image; joining adjacent discrete portions of the filtered image together; manipulating the filtered image such that the minimum line width is greater than a predetermined thickness to form a subsequent image; and cutting the sheet metal in the form of the subsequent image.