DECORATIVE IRONWORK

This volume covers both wrought and cast ironwork, containing comprehensive information on the techniques and processes involved. Exploring topics as diverse as gates and railings, jewellery and lighting, the staircase, the hearth, ecclesiastical ironwork and the use of colour on iron, thematic features highlight some of the designs created to embellish interiors and exteriors through the ages. Illustrations are taken from many major collections, especially those of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Whether destined to decorate a nobleman's hearth or his garden, to light a church or a humble cottage, or to act as personal adornment, decorative iron- and steelwork have fulfilled a multitude of purposes over the centuries. Early craftsmen traditionally invested skill and imagination on wrought iron - produced with hammer and anvil - even for the humblest domestic purposes. Then, with the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, came the widespread use of cast iron - made by pouring liquid metal into moulds - which brought a new variety of pattern and ornament to the repertoire. Marian Campbell is the co-author of "Towards a New Iron Age".