This afternoon seminar will look at the history of the use of iron in architecture with particular emphasis on ornamental ironwork.

From the earliest times ironwork has been used for utilitarian objects, and often with an ornamental treatment. Eighteenth and 19th century developments in wrought and cast iron, including their use in structures.

Properties and manufacture of wrought and cast iron from early charcoal irons and steels, through puddled iron, cast iron and modern steels. You will learn how to:

• Identify and date
• Understand wrought ironwork, techniques of repair and replication
• The techniques of the blacksmith, remedial techniques for damaged wrought and cast iron objects
• Good and bad practises.