Journal of Architectural Conservation
Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2008
Conservation of Traditional Ironwork
A Craftsman's Perspective
Chris Topp
Paper Summary
The UK boasts one of the major collections of historic ornamental ironwork in the world, going back to its heyday in the early eighteenth century. Care of these works, often masterpieces, has always been improvised. The majority are outdoors and suffer from the effects of the weather, often until there is loss of material. This paper discusses options regarding materials and methods for sympathetic conservation measures for ironwork, particularly in the case of wrought iron. It emphasises the need for preserving and promoting the skills of the blacksmith. It is important that the quality conservation work goes to those who not only have the skills, but who also actively train their workforce. There is a need for such work to be well specified, taking into account its historic nature, on the basis of a set of guidelines that promote good practice and make it difficult for less skilled or caring practitioners to win the work. It is suggested that a form of vetting of skill specific to the craft of the blacksmith conservator/restorer be introduced, not dissimilar to the Professional Accreditation of Conservator Restorers (PACR).
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Figure 1 A good example of blacksmith made scrollwork
Figure 2 Bakewell Gates, Okeover Hall
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Chris Topp
Chris Topp graduated in civil engineering in 1970 from Newcastle University. He was a founder member of Dorothea Restorations in 1974. He subsequently established Chris Topp & Co Ironworkers in 1980, whose client list includes St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House. Chris also established The Real Wrought Iron Company in 1985 to reinstate the supply of wrought iron for heritage work.
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