This week Andy, Jason, Matty and Olly headed to Hampton Court Palace to attend the National Heritage Ironwork Group ‘Tradition and Innovation’ conference. The NHIG is a fantastic organisation that exists to promote best practice and set standards in the world of heritage ironwork restoration. If this sounds relevant and interesting to you too, please consider joining the organisation to support it, their work could be considered niche, but we know that it’s essential!
Here at Ironart we feel privileged to handle and conserve beautiful pieces of historic ironwork, some made by Master Craftsmen centuries ago. No two restoration projects are ever the same – every antique piece we handle is different and we are constantly evolving our methodologies and strategies when making sympathetic repairs. Craftsmanship is a fluid process, naturally evolving as new technologies emerge. This NHIG conference aimed to address the questions: ‘Are the ‘old ways’ always the best? Or can new technologies offer viable alternatives? What are the parameters when using modern materials with historic fabric? When is it appropriate and when inappropriate?’
This event was a great opportunity to meet fellow conservators face to face and discuss the materials, techniques and methods we are using. Jason and Matty both agreed that the day was invaluable as a learning opportunity for anyone involved with ironwork restoration. They singled out the talk given by John Wallis of Dorothea Restorations and Charles Bain Smith of the National Trust on New Technologies: Opportunities and Limitations as a particular highlight. Conservators have been successfully using drones to access and survey hard-to-reach locations, together with 3D mapping and printing to understand structures better.
Conservation and Artist Blacksmith David James shared his wealth of knowledge on Choosing a Fixing Method’ – and Ironart has from time to time commissioned paint analysis from Historic Metalwork Conservator Peter Meehan, who gave invaluable insights into the pros and cons when using different paints and coatings.
The day concluded with a tour of the stunning heritage ironwork on display at Hampton Court – including the famous Tijou screen, designed and created in 1689 for William III and Mary II by Jean Tijou – one of the greatest ironworkers who ever lived, and then a close look at the skill and craftsmanship on display in the Great Staircase balustrade at Hampton Court – also created by Tijou.
Thanks go to the NHIG team, in particular their Coordinator Jess who organised this fantastic event. We are already looking forward to the next one!