By: Josef Feller – Published 2005
Price : $ – Amazon
Philip’s Ranking: 3
Beginner Blacksmith: 0
Advanced Blacksmith: 3
Inspiration: 5
Historical: 3
Video Review: N/A
Bibliographical Note: “Traditional Ironwork Designs” is a new selection of plates reproduced from “Die schmiedekunst: zum praktischen Gebrauche fur Schlosser und Schmiede”, originally published in three volumes by F. Wolfrum, Dusseldorf, 1892-1899?.
This book is 91 pages of of plates reprinted from an a late 19th century German work.
Each plate has 1-8 drawings of historical ironwork. The plates cover a wide variety of subjects such as:
- Grills
- Fence Components
- Ridge & Roof Railings
- Window Balustrade & Grilles
- Balcony Railings
- Grave Railings & Crosses
- Bracket, Stair Railings
- Gates
- Garden Houses / Gazebos
- Verandas
- Wall Brackets
- Light Stands
- Andirons
- Flower Stands
- Commercial Signs
There are 270 images selected across a wide variety of areas including some monumental works such as the Veranda pictured to the right. The book has no text, sources, or the original location of the ironwork which is frustrating.
If you are looking for ideas for a stair railing, fences, gates or other large decorative work this is a great source of inspiration.
For newer blacksmiths much of the work will be either beyond their skill, hard to understand how to reproduce, or simply to massive to attempt to recreate.
At less than $15 dollars this is a pretty cost effective book considering the number of drawings that can be used for inspiration.