Wrought iron has been used throughout history for utilitarian gear like tools and weapons, but from the 16th century on, its magical qualities increasingly were employed for decorative purposes, prominently in the grand cathedrals of Europe. The art crossed the ocean, finding its way into the hands of Creole builders, whose intricate railing and baluster designs grace commercial structures and homes in the old French Quarter of New Orleans, sometimes referred to as the city of “iron lace.”
Wrought iron no longer is commercially manufactured in the United States, where the last plant closed in 1969. But demand continues unabated for hand-fabricated objects made from its substitute: low-carbon, soft steel.
| Resources |
| Affinity Doors, Richmond, affinitydoors.com |
| Petro Design/Build Group, Mitchellville, Md., petrodesignbuild.com |
| Slaysman Forge, Maryland Line, Md., slaysmanforge.com |
| Williamsburg Blacksmiths, Williamsburg, Mass., williamsburgblacksmiths.com |
| Wrought Iron Corbels, Oklahoma City, wroughtironcorbels.com |
“Wrought iron is a material and a fabrication method,” said Randy Slaysman, owner of Baltimore County-based Slaysman Forge. “The real wrought iron is expensive to manufacture, so for the last 40 years or so, objects that are called wrought iron are actually produced from a form of steel that when forged looks just like [it].”
Slaysman’s skills and fabrication services are in demand by local designers, architects, builders and homeowners who order the company’s sensuous, curved railing designs, Juliet balconies, and an array of rustic and contemporary home decor that includes chandeliers, weather vanes, furniture and fireplace screens.
Another manufacturer went for a niche business. Justin Hodges, owner of Oklahoma City’s Wrought Iron Corbels, closed his high-end wrought iron furnishings store to concentrate on building iron corbels.
“I’ve worked with metals for a long time but discovered there weren’t many corbel choices and the product out there [was] cheap and flimsy,” he said.
Hodges’ computer-assisted designs are cut out with a high-definition laser. “The laser technology produces detail not readily achieved through other fabrication methods,” he said.
For interiors, corbels are used to support countertops, mantles, shelving and cabinets. Outside applications include bracket support for mailboxes, pergolas, windows boxes, balconies and roof overhangs.
Massachusetts-based Williamsburg Blacksmiths is a source for early American and Colonial reproduction hardware. Homeowners can purchase custom- and machine-fabricated strap hinges, thumb latches, and butterfly, H and HL hinges.
Andrew MacNeill, the company’s in-house artisan, fulfills custom orders for hardware, table bases, benches and outdoor sculpture.
Closer to home, Affinity Doors in Richmond makes interior, wine cellar and exterior custom-built doors.
“Some of our best-selling doors feature wrought iron detail,” said Ed Duddy, company owner. “Scrolled and patterned ironwork accents lend an Old World touch.”
Kathleen Litchfield, president of Petro Design/Build Group in Mitchellville, Md., said interest is increasing in wrought iron fencing.
“More customers want fencing or decking to “disappear” in their outdoor rooms and landscapes,” Litchfield said. “This can be accomplished easily with wrought iron railings and fences.”
Petro Design also creates “living” fences from wrought iron panels.
“Zoning, mature plantings or drainage problems often preclude standard fencing solutions in many landscapes,” Litchfield said.
The problem is solved by installing a series of panels to create privacy screens. After installation, a mix of English ivy and trumpet vine or other climbing vines can be planted and usually cover the screens within a year.
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