Giant cistern is master leadworker’s latest achievement

The latest bespoke creation from traditional leadworker Brian Turner is a large cistern created for a historic house in west Norfolk. Cisterns are large vessels, made popular in the Georgian era, used to store rainwater for use in irrigation of a garden.

The particular cistern was commissioned for the rear of the house. The front elevation of the house, dating from the early 16th century, is depicted on the central panel of the cistern, together with design details of the building.

Brian commented: “The commission was to create a cistern using the design details that were used in the construction of this historic building. Due to its length I created it using one long panel and four smaller panels.”

The main challenge of the project was the size of the cistern. It weighs 963 kilogrammes, has a diameter of 2,400mm and is around 650mm in height with an average thickness of 9mm. The length of the main panel is about 3,680mm.

A further challenge was to rotate the cistern into position to burn and solder the joints. Said Brian: “I soldered the rim and burned a moulding on the inside of the cistern to give it extra strength and stability – it will be around for a considerable time!”

Brian established Turners Ornamental Leadwork in 1977. He specialises in the art of architectural and ornamental leadwork and uses specialist techniques to design and produce authentic and original leadworks for clients throughout the UK. His expertise lies in fashioning bespoke, hand-crafted leadworks that are sensitive to history, form and function. He works with clients on an individual basis, so that each installation can be tailored to the exact location, scale and specification required.

Brian's exotic and breathtaking creations grace the gardens of many top companies and public figures. His pieces feature in design reference works and are regularly commissioned as centrepieces by well-known garden designers such as George Carter and Bunny Guinness.

He was recently made an Honorary Member of the Lead Contractors Association after many years of membership of the association.

For further information visit turners-lead-collection.co.uk