Living in a Material World: Material Choices in Ironwork Conservation

Event Description

All images courtesy Coode Conservation Partnership

 

*PLACES LIMITED TO ALLOW SPACING*

Some of the most important decisions in conservation and restoration relate to material selection. In some cases, using inappropriate repair materials can reduce the lifespan of an object more than leaving it alone. But deciding which materials to use is not always a straightforward matter, based as it is on a complex balance of knowledge and judgement.

So what questions should we be asking of the fabric we are conserving and the materials we use to do it? And how do we prioritise competing factors to reach a decision on treatment? Join us as we bring together a range of experienced professionals to share their decision-making processes.

 

 

The Journey of Materials, Rhys Brookes, Conservation Architect

Understanding the journey of materials from origin to object is key to being able to conserve them. Rhys will give an overview of historic building materials, charting the processes they undergo from source to product, and examining the impact of this journey on their form, use and life-cycle.

 

Microstructure and Making Alan WilliamsArchaeometallurgist, The Wallace Collection

Cutting-edge technology has enabled micro-level examination of historic ferrous metals, but how does this help us understand what we’re working with? Since the distinct properties of metal alloys are a direct result of their microstructure, it is essential to first understand the making process which dictates that microstructure. Drawing on decades of specialist research, Alan will examine historical ironmaking processes and assess the impact they have on the nature of the alloys produced.

Always Original Materials & Techniques? A case-study of lead, David James, Conservation Blacksmith
Conservation principles advocate the importance of original materials & techniques for repairs, but is this always appropriate? Are there ever situations where practicalities make other approaches more suitable? And what are they? This case study looks at the traditional method of using lead to install ironwork, assessing the pros and cons, and offering an insight into the decision-making process regarding ‘like for like’ versus potential alternatives.

Choosing the right overcoat: a study of paint for wrought iron Peter Meehan, Metals Conservator

Ultimately, the only thing that stops iron from corroding is its coating. As the first line of defence, choice of coating is perhaps the most important material decision you will make. Yet the paint coating systems currently used in the conservation of historic ironwork were originally designed for use on modern iron and steel structures, not specifically for wrought iron. Peter will discuss his current PhD research into the performance of three paint systems on wrought iron: alkyd oil-based, epoxy resin/acrylic urethane and traditional lead-based paint.

Material Selection for Repairs, Dave Gent, Bridge Engineer & Geoff Wallis, Metalwork Conservator 

Selecting materials for repair work is a complex balancing act between compatibility, longevity and context. So how do conservators prioritise these competing factors and make their choice? Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, Geoff and Dave will analyse the material characteristics they look for and how they match this to the repair in hand.

With case studies involving both wrought and cast iron, they will discuss how they select materials for common repairs such as section replacement, joining and gap filling.

 

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERS HERE

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME HERE

Please join us at The Argyle pub after the conference – BOOK HERE (no charge)

COVID PROTOCOLS: The room will not be crowded and will be well-ventilated. Lunch will be served in individual boxes. Hand-santizer will be available throughout the day.

TICKET PRICE LEVELS*

NHIG MEMBER

Business/organisation: £75 (£60 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

Individual (self-employed): £55 (£40 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

Student: £35 (£20 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

NON-MEMBER

Business / organisation: £85 (£70 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

Individual (self-employed): £65 (£50 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

Student: £45 (£30 Early Bird until 31st October 2021)

*We aim with our pricing structure to differentiate between those who are self-funding, and those whose ticket will be covered by an employer and who will not lose income by attending.

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS &  LUNCH

LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE STUDENT PLACES AVAILABLE (find out more here)

Booking Form

Back to top
SHOP