BABA Books
Historic Ironwork: Architectural
Wrought Iron and its Decorative Use
By Ayrton & Silcock
BABA member price £19
Non-member price £22.50
This is an illustrated history of British ironwork, showing a few Roman examples, through Medieval examples to the early 20th century. It profiles British smiths by region and includes a comprehensive chapter on Jean Tijou and his influence. The photographs were all taken before its original publication in 1929. Many of the examples were removed or disposed of years ago, consequently, all that remains of much of our ironwork legacy is photographs in books such as this. The images are accompanied by comprehensive text about the smiths and their work.
Interestingly, the last chapter is a discourse on; ‘Decay and Revival of Smithcraft’. The decay is attributed to machinery being invented to produce articles that appear to have been made by hand.
The revival.... you’ll just have to take a look inside the book!
Book review: Artist Blacksmith Magazine Spring 2006