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It was at this time that architects and
blacksmith’s forged a partnership that would
bring new a dimension to architecture. In
Europe, Iron was no longer solely used for
making weapons as it has been since the dawn of
the Iron Age some 2500 years earlier. Gradual
refinements in the forging process made it
possible for new applications to arise and a new
industry was born. As iron began to add
decorative accents to architecture throughout
Europe, it popularity began to spread. By the
time the Baroque era emerged in the 1600’s,
wrought iron had solidified its place in
architecture and reached its peak of intricacy.
Blacksmiths, who once were mysterious and seen
as magicians, were now heralded as artists and
greatly respected for their creative abilities.
As the centuries progressed, new methods of
production, made wrought iron more accessible to
the point where today, any homeowner has the
ability to include wrought iron in their home
design. “Wrought” simply mean that it is a
material which has been formed or worked into a
shape. Wrought iron has come to be a term rather
than an actual material. Traditional wrought
iron consisted of a low carbon grade of steel,
no longer used for commercial or residential
applications. Today’s wrought iron is a form of
“mild” steel. Once created, the final product
may be sandblasted for smoothness, powder coated
for color and then baked for lasting surface
quality. Other companies may install an
unfinished product and then finished on-site
with paint. Wrought iron can be found in
numerous forms in architecture including:
•Interior
stair railing
•Exterior
stair railing
•Decorative
ornamentation on a building’s façade
•Light
fixtures
•Gates
•Doors
•Fences
Once you are the privileged owner of custom
iron work, and a part of stewarding
architectural history, taking good care of it is
essential. When choosing a finish, remember that
dark colors will last longer than light and
black a preferred choice. Over time any metal
will rust. Watch your iron for rust as small
spots may appear. Do not worry. This is a
natural process. Removal of the rust with spot
sanding and an application of sealant and paint
to the area will stop this process and keep your
iron work looking new and structurally sound.
Further tips on care can be found by calling a
decorative iron company.
With iron work, your imagination is the
limit. Custom companies will even take your own
designs and turn them into a finished product.
While this is not an inexpensive proposition, it
is the ultimate expression of custom iron work.
Other companies offer a full range of designs
that they can reproduce in a cost effective
manner which will afford you the look of custom
on a more modest budget. Whatever your means,
the addition of wrought iron to your home design
will add value and beauty. |
