SECOND IRONWORK AWARD OPENS FOR ENTRIES

[THE National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) is inviting entries for its Award for Heritage Metalwork Conservation. Inaugurated last year, the award seeks to recognise and celebrate excellence in ironwork conservation as an inspiration to all.

Submitted work must have been carried out in the past five years, in accordance with current conservation philosophy. Entries can be submitted by anyone closely connected with a project, although the award will be presented to the practitioner who carried out the work. A maximum of three submissions can be made per person or team.

The judges will be interested in the appropriateness of materials and techniques used, the extent to which loss of original fabric was minimised and the quality of the craftsmanship.

A panel of experienced judges drawn from members of the NHIG Council and the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths Craft Committee will assess the entries. They will visit shortlisted projects, so access to the site must be ensured.

The NHIG will publicise competition entries and outcomes as examples of good practice to inspire others, so entrants must ensure that all permissions have been sought prior to entry and that images have been cleared for use. Applications close on 31 May. Forms and submission instructions are available at nhig.org.uk/nhig-award/

Last year’s inaugural award went to joint winners: Daniel Liggins for his work on the Oakes Park gates in Sheffield and the team of David James (blacksmith), Andrew Harris (architect) and Rob Umney (surveyor), for their conservation of the 20th Century Garden gates at Hampton Court Palace (pictured top right and bottom right respectively).

The NHIG has also published revised dates for its CPD course, Conservation of Architectural Ironwork, in Bath. Originally scheduled for 20-21 April, the course has been put back to 22-23 June. The venue remains the same – the Museum of Bath at Work in the centre of the World Heritage City.

Aimed at both craft practitioners and consultative professionals, the two-day course – led by Geoff Wallis and Bethan Griffiths – provides an introduction to the conservation of historic ironwork.

Lectures cover the historical context, the metallurgy of wrought iron and steels, traditional tools and techniques, materials, design and manufacture. They will be complemented by a walking tour and site visit to survey historic ironwork and develop a strategy for its conservation.

The IHBC recognises the course as contributing to mandatory CPD requirements for its members. The course fee, including lunches and course materials, is £250. Booking is via the NHIG website. q