Sydney Gardens, Bath By Ordnance Survey (UK) – Ordnance Survey map, Public Domain
2024 winner of the National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) Award for Heritage Metalwork Conservation announced
NHIG writes:
We are very pleased to announce the 2024 winner of the NHIG Award for Heritage Metalwork Conservation. From a shortlist of exceptional quality and variety, first place was awarded to the team at Ironart of Bath for their work on the Edwardian public conveniences in Bath’s Sydney Gardens. The newly cast medallion will be presented at the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ awards luncheon in October.
The NHIG judging panel had great difficulty in separating the shortlisted projects, as each of them demonstrated strong aspects of best conservation practice which will certainly preserve these important artefacts – and the narrative of their creation – for future generations.
However, the judges were particularly impressed by the consideration and attention to detail with the Sydney Gardens project. For example, planning and preparation prior to commencement of conservation included the building of bespoke crates to protect the toilets’ cast iron panels during transportation and in the workshop environment. Great care was taken to save as much of the original structures as possible, welding damaged panels and guttering and only casting new elements where they were missing. Research found another extant structure produced by the same foundry which enabled the team to make a mould of the bear’s head waterspouts and recast them in grey iron. Another nice touch was the replacement of some missing cast panels with glass panels etched with the motif on the cast iron panels. This has allowed the public to view the interior of the Gentlemen’s toilets, as the structure is no longer used for its original purpose and is locked. Overall, the judges were impressed by the meticulous care in the use of conservation techniques, as well as the client’s willingness to save these increasingly rare examples of British craftsmanship.
Also worthy of high praise were the other shortlisted projects. In conserving the Harlesden Jubilee Clock Fountain, Calibre Metalwork made use of the Mitcham clock tower as a pattern for the fountain bowls, and a contemporaneous MacFarlane design for the weathervane. The judges particularly liked the inclusion of the only extant piece with photographic evidence to resolve the design of the new the cast iron arms which support the light fittings.
Equally impressive was the tenacity and perseverance displayed by Steven Ellis Cooper in his conservation of the Golden Gates at Wood Norton Hall. Once he had accepted responsibility for the gates, his desire to do his very best to preserve this significant listed ironwork over a number of difficult years, facing various challenges such as uncertainty over ownership and funding problems, was quite admirable. Steven followed the principle of minimum intervention, brazing original leaf work where it was possible to save and only replicating details where there were extant examples supported by photographic evidence. He refrained from conjecture on decorative elements where there were no remnants to use as examples, preferring to stabilise what was remaining. He also left in place work from the 1985 repairs – which in places was naively executed – as part of the gate’s history. The judges believe he probably went above and beyond the budget to preserve these gates and overthrow for future generations.
Exemplary conservation practice was also evident in the conservation of the Walthamstow Theatre Chandeliers by Hall Conservation. From surveying and recording, dismantling and labelling, to repair and manufacture of missing or broken elements using traditional techniques, the team followed best practice throughout. The patina of their found condition was maintained on four of the chandeliers, with the fifth being restored to its original paint scheme, informed by paint analysis. The original undamaged glass shades were retained and fitted to the painted example, with new replicas to the same design, materials and construction used to replace missing shades on the others.
It was a privilege to be able to view such outstanding work and most encouraging to see the legacy that these highly-skilled and conscientious craftspeople are leaving. We look forward to what future years will bring.
