Wrought Iron Wonders For A Better Interior
Brief history of wrought iron and its uses: Did you know the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, is made out of puddle iron, which is a form of wrought iron? Did you know that the percentage of wrought iron in the Iron pillar at Delhi in India is 98%? This may leave one with little doubts as to why wrought iron was so preferred in those days to construct monuments that would remain intact till centuries to come.
Wrought iron marvel can also be seen in the 13th century gates of the Westminster Abbey, and also in furniture dating back to the times of the Romans. During the reign of William and Mary in the 17th century, use of wrought iron was highly popularized. It was then rightly called the decorative iron. In those days it was also employed in making pot racks, wine racks, bakers racks, beds, spiral stairs, candle holders barstools, majestic wrought iron gates etc. Even horse shoes were made out of this wonder metal.
Specialty of wrought iron: Each of the mentioned uses of wrought iron shows one of its unique aspects. Using it in making monuments expected to last for centuries as is the case with Eiffel Tower and the Iron Pillar shows proves its durability and ability to withstand weather conditions for very long times. Its usage in making gates shows its strength and ability to withstand extreme conditions and low corrosion rate. Making furniture with exceptional designs reflects its malleability, which is the ability to be easily twisted. Usage in furniture reflects all the above properties along with the property of retaining its lustrous finish.
Why wrought iron fell out of use: Even though the properties of wrought iron were remarkable, its popularity dropped in the mid 1900s. This is because during that period, the cost of production of steel was dropping owing to the usage of machinery and wrought iron production was still labor intensive because of which the costs were still higher. Estimates reveal that production of wrought iron costs approximately twice as much as low carbon steel. In the United States of America, the last plant closed in 1969 and in Great Britain, the Atlas Ironworks of Thomas Walmley Ltd in Bolton closed in 1973. The production equipments used by the company are now in the Blists Hill Site of Ironbridge George Museum.
Today, wrought iron is produced by few companies to keep the heritage of production of this wonder metal intact. Although the production takes place mainly by recycling scrap, the quality (depending upon the conditions of production) is superior. One such company producing wrought iron parts is Beechfort Iron and Steel Ltd. This Ireland based family owned company, has been producing wrought iron and steel since it was established in 1996. Wrought iron gates and spiral staircases are the specialities of this company. Anyone looking for home renovation or construction with the idea of creating something different and stately with this heritage metal, Beechfort may be the best option.
Wrought iron marvel can also be seen in the 13th century gates of the Westminster Abbey, and also in furniture dating back to the times of the Romans. During the reign of William and Mary in the 17th century, use of wrought iron was highly popularized. It was then rightly called the decorative iron. In those days it was also employed in making pot racks, wine racks, bakers racks, beds, spiral stairs, candle holders barstools, majestic wrought iron gates etc. Even horse shoes were made out of this wonder metal.
Specialty of wrought iron: Each of the mentioned uses of wrought iron shows one of its unique aspects. Using it in making monuments expected to last for centuries as is the case with Eiffel Tower and the Iron Pillar shows proves its durability and ability to withstand weather conditions for very long times. Its usage in making gates shows its strength and ability to withstand extreme conditions and low corrosion rate. Making furniture with exceptional designs reflects its malleability, which is the ability to be easily twisted. Usage in furniture reflects all the above properties along with the property of retaining its lustrous finish.
Why wrought iron fell out of use: Even though the properties of wrought iron were remarkable, its popularity dropped in the mid 1900s. This is because during that period, the cost of production of steel was dropping owing to the usage of machinery and wrought iron production was still labor intensive because of which the costs were still higher. Estimates reveal that production of wrought iron costs approximately twice as much as low carbon steel. In the United States of America, the last plant closed in 1969 and in Great Britain, the Atlas Ironworks of Thomas Walmley Ltd in Bolton closed in 1973. The production equipments used by the company are now in the Blists Hill Site of Ironbridge George Museum.
Today, wrought iron is produced by few companies to keep the heritage of production of this wonder metal intact. Although the production takes place mainly by recycling scrap, the quality (depending upon the conditions of production) is superior. One such company producing wrought iron parts is Beechfort Iron and Steel Ltd. This Ireland based family owned company, has been producing wrought iron and steel since it was established in 1996. Wrought iron gates and spiral staircases are the specialities of this company. Anyone looking for home renovation or construction with the idea of creating something different and stately with this heritage metal, Beechfort may be the best option.
