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NHIG is dedicated to the
safeguarding and preservation of wrought ironwork through promoting high
standards of workmanship, conservation and repair by working towards the
development and creation of;
GUIDELINES on the specification of restoration
work
ACCREDITATION for blacksmith
conservator/restores
RESOURCE CENTRE for
ironwork information
COURSES studying
historic ironwork
Kevin McCloud,
author, broadcaster and designer said:
“I’m delighted that
the National Heritage Ironwork Group
exists to promote the conservation of historic forged metal. As a former
forge-owner, I know the value of training and traditional skills in this most
specialised of disciplines and have often marvelled at the ability of a
talented smith to form a penny-end from a bar of iron or the wriggling, fluid
shape of a water-leaf or acanthus from a piece of plate. When the traditions of
a craft are not taught, it instantly dies. The NHIG bursaries project
keeps the torch of learning alive, through study of historical metalwork and
the teaching of the craft.”
Bill Martin,
Conservation Director for English Heritage said:
‘The field of architectural metals conservation has for too
long awaited a framework to successfully bind together the essential skills of
the metals conservator and the conservation blacksmith; the aims of the National Heritage Ironwork Group will
go a long way to deliver this. English Heritage fully support these aims and we
intend to contribute in every way that we can to ensure their successful
development.’
Rory Cullen, Head of
Building for the National Trust said:
‘The number of true
craftsmen and women in terms of building skills has been in decline for far too
long, as identified in the recent documentation on heritage craft skills
commissioned by the Government. The National Trust is therefore very keen to
support the National Heritage Ironwork
Group initiative, which we hope will help safeguard the future of this
wonderful skill and promote an understanding of the intricacies involved
in the process.’
