English Ironwork Of The Seventeenth And Eighteenth Centuries

This title comes with a new Introduction by Bethan Griffiths and Peter Milington. We are fortunate today that there is a far greater understanding and appreciation of our heritage, and how it should be cared for, than there was at the time J. Starkie Gardner's book was written. For the many people interested in and involved with the care and conservation of heritage ironwork "English Ironwork of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries" is an invaluable reference, not just for researching specific pieces but also for understanding the historic context of the ironwork of the period. It is also full of illustrations of once surviving examples in need of repair, and these photographs can give clues to their original form. Where ironwork has gone missing, the information can help to inform the design of replica work. There are few books on decorative historical ironwork and the small number there are highlight the fact that, overall, the subject of wrought ironwork has been insufficiently studied and is a rich field for cataloguing and research. Within the pages of Starkie Gardner's book are clues to the identification of further pieces of ironwork, particularly the many he did not cover, from which there is still much to learn. It is hoped that reissue of the book acts as an inspiration to those involved with the study, care and refurbishment of ironwork to continue the work he started in the recording and sharing of ironwork discoveries. However, the huge amount of surviving work of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries should not be forgotten as of this also too little is known; here again there is need for further cataloguing and research.

This vintage book contains a historical account of English Ironwork, being a detailed analysis of seventeenth and eighteenth century English smithery with a particular focus on influential craftsmen. This profusely illustrated volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in the history and development of ironwork, and it would make for a worthy addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: "Mediaeval gates", "Renaissance Gates", "The Work of Jean Tijou, 1690-1710", "The School of Smiths after Tijou", "Robert Bakewell, 1707-30", "The Brothers Roberts, 1719-30", "William Edney, 1710-40", "The English School of Smiths", "The Work of Thomas Robinson, 1697-1720", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on metal work. First published in 1911.

This vintage book contains a complete guide to the examples of English wrought-iron work contemporarily held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. For each piece treated it provides a photograph coupled with notable information, including a short description, date, measurements, etc. “English Wrought-Iron Work - Victoria and Albert Museum” is highly recommended for those with an interest in blacksmithing and decorative metalwork, and it is not to be missed by the discerning collector of allied literature. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on blacksmithing.

Superb treasury presents an informative survey of wrought iron throughout England with illustrations of gates, railings, screens, and other elaborately rendered works. 239 black-and-white illustrations.

The staircase dates back to the very beginning of architectural history. Virtually every significant building from the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia to the present day, has not only contained one or more staircases, but has celebrated them. For such an apparently simple part of a building they have been made in a bewildering variety of forms and from a wide range of materials. Every age has sought to out-perform the previous to produce ever more spectacular and gravity-defying designs. 'Staircases: History, Repair and Conservation' is the first major reference volume devoted entirely to the understanding of staircases and the issues surrounding their repair and conservation. Each chapter has been especially written by experts in their respective fields. The book is essential reading for professionals and anyone with an interest in staircases. It deals with the history; dating; archaeology; surveying and recording; engineering; curating; repair and conservation of the staircase in a single volume. No other book offers such a wide range of detail. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 covers the history, development, identification and dating of staircases, providing detailed drawings and photographs and an introduction to the scientific techniques available to enable the accurate dating of staircases. Part 2 covers the design, engineering and maintenance of the staircase, giving a clear guide to the latest research into the design of safe staircases and their structural stability. Part 3 focuses on the materials commonly used to make stairs, detailing the appropriate techniques for their conservation and repair. The result is a comprehensive study encompassing considerable and far reaching research which aims to inform our understanding and advance the scholarship of the subject for years to come.