English Ironwork
of the Seventeenth
and Eighteenth Centuries
J. Starkie Gardner
Hardback approx £60.00 $120.00
Publication date 10 February 2012
512 pages
80 plates and 163 illustrations.
ISBN 978 1 873394 96 0
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Introduction to the 2012 edition
Read the new introduction by Bethan Griffiths and Peter Millington
First published in 1911, this book is an accumulation of years of practical work and research by the author, focussing on what is often regarded as the 'golden age' of decorative ironwork in this country. It not only provides the most comprehensive and outstanding record of decorative ironwork in Britain, but it also discusses stylistic trends and attitudes towards ironwork.
Gardner particularly draws attention to the need for high quality skills and expertise in blacksmithing, highlighting the pitfalls of inappropriate restoration. For conservators and practitioners today, it remains an invaluable reference book for researching ironwork of this period.
With a new Preface by Chris Topp and Introduction by Bethan Griffiths and Peter Millington.
Brief subject list of examples illustrated v Topographical list of examples illustrated v Introduction v Mediaeval ironwork v The evolution of gates v Mediaeval gates v Renaissance gates v Forecourt and garden gates v The garden v The work of Jean Tijou, 1690-1710 v The school of smiths after Tijou v Robert Bakewell, 1707-30 v The Brothers Roberts, 1719-30 v William Edney, 1710-40 v The English school of smiths v The work of Thomas Robinson, 1697-1720 v The work of Warren, 1700-20 v Work by George Buncker, 1720-30 v Forecourt screens v The landscape gardener v The influence of architects v Gates by undiscovered smiths v Dated gates v London gates v Country gates v South-eastern counties v Counties west from London v South-western counties vThe midland counties v Counties immediately north of London v The eastern counties vThe northern counties v Scotland v Wales v Railings, balustrades, balconies, stair-ramps and grilles v Lampholders, brackets, signs and vanes v List of smiths and designers v General index to the text.
This is a wonderful reprint of the classic book, first published in 1911, written by a man with a mission - and the time, energy and devotion to carry it out. With passion and a critical eye, Starkie Gardner travelled widely to research and record all he could of the heritage of English ironwork before the ravages of time, fashion and ill-advised repair took it away. There is a sense of urgency in the writing and references to work altered, removed, demolished - or simply lost to decay - are a refrain throughout the book.
Whilst this book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in metalwork conservation, or interested in the history of ironwork, the concerns and sentiments expressed are as relevant today to contemporary artist blacksmiths, as they were when the book was written a hundred years ago.
Journal of Architectural Conservation. Read the full review