The Ironart team were commissioned to survey and restore an historic set of entrance gates to a large Manor House on the River Kennet in Wiltshire. These impressive gates were made in the late 18th Century, they are set into stone gate piers which are earlier and probably date from 1680s, flanked on both sides by lodge buildings.
The central gates are hung on a traditional heel pivot system to a pair of decorative supporting panels. Both the central gates and supporting side panels are beautiful examples of traditional hot forged ironwork with water leaf cast iron detailing. These panels are also topped with decorative wrought iron crestings. There are two arched openings on either side of the main gate, each housing smaller pedestrian gates with lovely ‘sunburst’ overthrows and electric lamps. Many of the decorative elements on these gates had previously been finished in gold leaf which had faded over time.
Our team painstakingly assessed the componant parts of the gates and prepared a condition report advising on a schedule of works. Structurally the ironwork was generally sound, however a lack of general maintenance over the years had lead to corrosion taking hold in many areas. There was evidence of rust jacking and pitting corrosion to the ironwork and some of the decorative details were broken and missing. The lock boxes and mechanisms were also corroded and structural elements of the gates had worn loose with areas that had been poorly repaired.
The wrought iron lantern holders appear to have been made by a different hand to the rest of the gates and seem to us to be much newer. The design and detail are both ambitious and cleverly executed. These structures feature wrought iron armatures with unusual cast iron rams heads. The electric lamps have copper hoods and opaque glass shades, we were commissioned to restore these at the same time.
The gates, supporting columns and lanterns were all removed from site and brought back to the Ironart workshops in Larkhall, Bath. This was a big project and the full team set to work restoring them.
They were carefully blast cleaned to efficiently remove the corrosion, with the last of the corrosion in the joints then carefully removed by hand. Loose elements were re-attached in their original positions. Missing and damaged component parts were replaced with sympathetic like-for-like copies and patterns taken from existing castings where necessary, these included: scroll ends and upright bars, decorative leaves, the top rail scrolls and panel scrolls, with new water leaves. Our team also completely refurbished the lock boxes from each of the gates.
The ironwork was finished in an HMG coach enamel paint system, the brown colour was specified by our client with the decorative gilding completed by our local gilding specialist Krysta Brooks.
The gates were reinstalled by the Ironart team back in situ. They look truly magnificent and will give years of use to the owners. It was a real pleasure to carry out this prestigious restoration project.
