skills
Blacksmithing
Working with metal is at the heart of Lost Art’s activities and we employ a number of people who specialise in different aspects of this, which we can combine under the heading of Blacksmithing. Working the metal, usually under heat is referred to as ‘wrought’ iron and we specialise in producing seating, . This is shown below with the production of components for a substantial, intricate and highly decorative park entrance gate.
Metal work for both restoration and fabrication is carried out by our increasingly recognised team of blacksmiths and whitesmiths.
LostArt can provide expertise in the design and sourcing of unusual sections of metal that may be required for historically accurate or specially commissioned work.
This is in addition to the work carried out by our partner foundry where castings are made by pouring molten metal (usually iron) into moulds produced from patterns made by our pattern maker or from our extensive library of existing historic patterns.
The photograph shows replacement inlaid scrolled sections, reforged wrought iron collars and cast iron finials which were replicated by loose pattern casting from remaining sections of the gate , then cast welded into the sections of the gate where these details were missing or damaged. Other work undertaken on the same project has involved the design, fabrication and installation of period authentic fencing, benches and the design and production of picnic tables which incorporate elements of Victorian design into furniture reflecting modern patterns of usage, such as access for disabled users.
Regency period, hand-forged, hand-crafted spring seats
This project involved restoring two original examples of this seat and then producing two perfect replicas. This was achieved using authentic traditional techniques and materials, including hot-punching, the production of hand-forged rivets and tenon joints.