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Conservation of Traditional Ironwork

Abstract The UK boasts one of the major collections of historic ornamental ironwork in the world, going back to the height of ironwork production 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 emphasizes 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).