Heritage Ironwork Restoration and Conservation JB Wrought Iron has unparalleled expertise with the conservation, repair, reproduction, and restoration of heritage ironwork that is corroding, damaged or has missing elements. We work in collaboration with heritage engineers, master blacksmiths, pattern makers, foundries and restoration experts to recreate, conserve or restore heritage ironwork. When we are involved in significant heritage restoration or conservation work, our aim is to provide solutions that will last at least 50 years before needing major maintenance. We are the only Australian members of the National Heritage Ironwork Group, (NHIG) a UK based organisation that focuses solely on historic ironwork. Through our membership, we have access to some of the world’s leading authorities in the field of historic ironwork, including ones who have worked on iconic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster and St Paul’s Cathedral. JB Wrought Iron adheres to the NHIG guidelines for the conservation and restoration of historic ironwork and strongly advises property owners or custodians to follow the NHIG guidelines before commissioning any conservation or restoration works. Many heritage properties in Sydney, both residential and commercial, have feature architectural ironwork such as wrought iron gates, fences, balustrades, railings and cast-iron lacework. Conserving or restoring can be quite a dilemma. Should the 'patina of age' be retained in conservation work, or should it be restored to new condition? There is no simple answer. Each situation is unique and requires expert advice and a thorough consultation with all stakeholders. Because of its proximity to the sea, Sydney’s coastal breezes and humidity can significantly contribute to degradation of heritage architectural metalwork and this needs to be kept in mind when conserving heritage ironwork. JB Wrought Iron takes professional pride in achieving excellent results with heritage ironwork restoration. Our master blacksmith can apply the same traditional blacksmithing techniques that were used at the time the ironwork was constructed on your building. If any elements are missing JB Wrought Iron can reproduce them. JB Wrought Iron can undertake the restoration of wrought iron palisade fences and gates and the repair and re- installation of original cast iron lace panels on historic terraces.

Our People

Bethan is our UK based authority on heritage architectural metalwork. Her skills include; blacksmithing, 3D design, CAD drawing and designing both period style and contemporary work. Bethan was involved in the establishment of a Conservation Principals for Heritage Forged and Cast Ironwork as well as developing and running the first Blacksmith Conservator training course in the UK. Bethan has been involved in the conservation of ironwork on some iconic, heritage listed UK and Australian buildings.

BETHAN GRIFFITHS

JB Wrought Iron founder and Director, John Bransby has over 35 years’ experience in architectural metalwork. He has trade qualifications in metal fabrication and has blacksmithing experience. John has a diploma in Project Management and has provided expert witness reports for Courts. With extensive industry connections, John can find the right people for every project.

JOHN BRANSBY

Master heritage blacksmith, Dave Fleming, is one of the few blacksmiths working in Australia that has a deep understanding of heritage conservation work and principles. Dave is passionate about his blacksmithing and has enormous appreciation of traditionally made heritage metalwork. Dave has extensive experience working in the UK and Europe under the guidance of master blacksmiths. He has also been involved in some well known Australian conservation projects, including the Dawes Point Railings around Sydney Harbour.

DAVID FLEMING

Pattern Making is the highly specialised, traditional trade that makes the intricate shapes that in turn are used to make moulds, that cast metal products are created in at a foundry. Those intricate designs on cast iron terrace balustrades and many decorative elements used in wrought iron work are created by pattern makers. When we require a replica part of a broken or worn piece, our pattern maker oversees the process from designing to manufacture. Like blacksmiths, pattern makers are becoming rare in Australia and good ones are very sought after by conservators.

Foundries provide the cast metal work that is often part of heritage buildings. Like blacksmiths and pattern makers, foundries and the foundrymen who work in them are highly sought after but they are also becoming rarer in Australia. Casting parts in a foundry is a centuries old method of manufacturing. Every foundry has its specialisation and pattern makers work very closely with foundries to create replica parts for heritage restoration, made from steel, iron, bronze and aluminium.

Metal fabricators use only modern techniques like electric welding, to join metals. While blacksmiths can use modern methods, metal fabricators or boilermakers are not trained formally in the blacksmithing skills such as fire welding, hot riveting or tenon joints. With blacksmiths in such short supply, metal fabricators do much of the site installation work and non-traditional metalwork, often under the direction of the blacksmith, who has the higher level of skills.

When an old heritage structure falls into disrepair, it may require structural support to ensure it is safe. Supporting failing structures requires a structural engineer to calculate load bearing requirements. Supports need to be designed in such a way as to be unobtrusive and sympathetic in design, which takes a team effort from the designer, specifier, blacksmith and engineer.

PATTERN MAKERS

FOUNDRIES

METAL FABRICATORS

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER