NHIG - Heritage Ironwork Seminar

The National Ironwork Heritage Group (NHIG) are holding a Heritage Ironwork Seminar on Friday June 30th this year at Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster DY11 7XZ from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The National Heritage Ironwork Group was established in 2009 to raise public awareness about historic ironwork and provide guidance to professionals involved in its restoration. NHIG promotes good conservation practice and high standards of workmanship so as to safeguard the long term survival and integrity of heritage ironwork for the benefit of the nation. They also champion practitioners of traditional ironworking skills and aim to inspire emerging professionals to develop traditional skills. While they cannot endorse the work of specific companies, members are by virtue of their membership ascribing to NHIG Conservation Principles.

The seminar ‘Surveying & Recording Heritage Ironwork' will be a day of discussion and practical activities in the inspiring surroundings of a Grade I listed Manor House, with the opportunity to view artefacts from the portfolio of the Bromsgrove Guild. There will be a presentation on the history of the guild and its work.

Understanding Pre-Tender Information – how to cut through the mass of detail provided at a project’s pre-tender stage in order to identify the key details.

Methods of Surveying Heritage Structures – how to go about surveying ironwork including: types of equipment & techniques used; what information to record; what to look out for (e.g. maker’s marks) and ways all of this can be presented.

Recording Techniques – current techniques used to record heritage ironwork, both prior to a programme of conservation and throughout the course of treatment

Case Studies

• Buckingham Palace Gates
• Harlaxton Manor Garden Gates

Morning: Presentations

Each topic will begin with a presentation from an experienced professional, followed by whole-group discussion. The purpose of this event is not just to educate but to stimulate debate and allow for networking opportunities.

Afternoon: Practical

The afternoon will be spent working in small groups led by an experienced practitioner, putting into practice some of the techniques discussed during the morning. Hartlebury Castle is an ideal venue as there are several sets of historic iron gates both within the grounds and at the nearby village church. Groups will have the opportunity to assess several of these. There will be time for further feedback and questions at the end of the afternoon.

The aim of the day

To establish & disseminate good practice when surveying and recording heritage ironwork. The National Heritage Ironwork Group will continue to develop best-practice guidelines based on the outcomes of this and other seminars.

Who is it for?

All levels of experience and background are welcome. Whether you are already working in the field of Heritage Ironwork, or simply interested in the subject, come along and get involved.

Price: £50 including lunch and all refreshments (£40 students). Early bird discount: £45

Venue: Orchard Room, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ

Book tickets at: NHIG events page. Early bird discount ends Friday 2nd June 2017