Enhance your walk around Dublin’s 18th-century squares and streets by glancing upwards and engaging with the spectacular ironwork displayed in the variety of balconies to be found on the first floor (piano nobile) of Georgian houses. Balconies were usually a later addition to the facades of these buildings, popularised by window openings being dropped to the drawing room floor level in line with new fashion.
The two forms of iron used for decorative purposes were wrought and cast iron. Wrought iron is often characterised by sinuous curling shapes which were modelled by hand-beating, while cast iron elements were made by pouring molten iron into sand moulds imprinted with a pattern.
Although the colour black is the most popular colour for ironwork today, this was not always the case. A variety of different colours was used in the 18th and 19th centuries, with various shades of green being the most popular choice.
For further information on the care, restoration and maintenance of ironwork please refer to Irish Period Houses, A Conservation Guidance Manual, priced €45.00
Alternatively, you can purchase the book directly from Dublin Civic Trust at 18 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 7 (please telephone before collection on 01 874 9681)
Dublin Civic Trust 