Last leaf.

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Nick Bates

 

Large gate acanthus leaves, last ones!

Large gate acanthus leaves in the raw, last ones!

Last leaves made! Well here’s the beginning of the end, the last of all the new leaves have been offered up and painted ready for fitting later this week. The last of the repairs were completed a few weeks ago.

The crane’s been booked to fit the Overthrow mid August, as have the scaffolders and labour to dismantle our site at Petworth House. The Tijou Gates are painted in their final colour and the last leaves are being fitted as I type. I’d like to have time to reflect on the last months of intensive work, but its not over yet.

There is still snagging and paint touching up to be carried out not to mention all the clearing up and break down of the site not to mention the eventual report handover. That reminds me I need to get on……

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About Nick Bates

I'm a Blacksmith working in Surrey, England, UK. My business, Burrows Lea Forge operates from a Forge just outside Guildford in the village of Shere. I've been trading as a Blacksmith since 1992. Burrows Lea Forge specialises in hot forged Ironwork, designing and making bespoke items for both the public and domestic markets. To the casual onlooker, there seems to be two sides to my business, Artist Blacksmith and Traditional Forge worker, but as an Artisan I see no difference, if you love forging hot metals as I do.... its all the same!
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3 Responses to Last leaf.

  1. weavers journaler says:
    July 23, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I have followed your blog with interest as the original design for the gates was drawn by Brawn and Downing, metal workers. Joses W Downing was my great-great-great grandfather (1820 to 1877).

    Reply
  2. annajanegreaves says:
    August 4, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    I have lost my first attempt at commenting so I hope I am not repeating myself if it turns up! It was a real thrill to look through the tiny holes in the doors of the tent to see the gates on Saturday August 3rd. My sister had recently discovered that our great, great, great Grandfather was Joses Weaver Downing who had designed and made the gates with Brawn. Thank you for your wonderful blog and all the work you are doing. Do you know the date that the gates will be opening? It would be a thrill to be there.

    Reply
    • burrowsleaforge says:
      August 5, 2013 at 8:59 pm

      Hi, thanks for your comment. Brawn and Downing were a prolific company in the late 1800’s. Obviously I’ve uncovered a lot of their Ironworking secrets now, which tells me quite a lot about their company. They designed and commissioned all sorts of metalwork, brass in particular. There is an original concept design for the gates on file, charming thing it is too, there is handwriting on the drawing but it is not attributed to anyone in particular. The rights belong to Birmingham Museum, so I can’t show it on the web.

      Reply

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