History of Iron Works

During the middle age, the metal took firm ground commercially as well as for residential purposes. This is the period whence metal use improved strikingly due to technological innovations in Europe. The same technology powered American colonies but the impact was much different from that experienced in Europe. 

The use of water vapor in American colonies with the blast furnace expedited the whole manufacturing process as compared to concurrent European methodology. Blacksmithing increased the demand for metal with a focus on housewares and castle armories in Europe. Ironworking in the era was becoming popular in the rest of the World as well but there was no industrial revolution taking place since most of the countries had become colonies from where the raw material was sourced. 

Technological innovations reached down the line to farmers in small towns and villages thus transforming agricultural practices and enriching society. This was the beginning of the industrial era which turned the Americas and Europe into economic powerhouses that still dominate the World. 

Eventually, the tussle between the Europeans and colonies led to better methods of smelting and smithing but unfortunately, vast tracts of forests became a casualty. While Europe lost nearly all of its wooded area barely five percent of forests now survive in America.  

Wrought iron gained popularity because it was malleable and could easily be turned into desired shapes, unlike cast iron. As architectural use became popular the metal was used incessantly in making gates, doors, and windows.  

Ornamental angle crept into ironworks in the sixteenth century. Artisan or rather blacksmiths created artistic patterns in the building components in order to make them more appealing than just products of plain metal. The style matched well with the outlook of the royals and nobles of that Era. Some of the fine examples are beautiful designs seen in historic works in Europe. These works were incorporated into the doors and windows of notable churches and castles.  

Some of the examples are:

• Notre Dame Paris
• Royal Chappel Granada
• Chantilly Castle Gates

The industrial revolution brought about tremendous change in the way iron was produced. Notable among them is the invention of a puddling furnace with grooves that resulted in the mechanical production of ornamental works. The invention is credited to Henry Cort of the UK who patented the process in 1784.   

The works created by Spanish and French masters are well preserved in New Orleans. The exquisite patterns as a result of ornamental works can be best seen at the places mentioned below:

• LeBranche House
• Gateway of Cabildo
• Washington Cathedral
• Harvard University
• Yale University

Craftsmen like Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia were instrumental in promoting ornamental works in the USA. The last three are his works in 1900, and leave a distinct impact on the course that was being followed in that century.

As civilization moves forward modern ironworks follow the course. In the contemporary era, intrinsic ornamental work has been replaced with aesthetic design with fewer motifs, twists, and turns. Nevertheless, in modern times mild steel ironworks does not fail to impact our civilization. Still alive and roaring it is cruising along with the fabrication of diverse steel alloys that rule the roost. The designs are functional and long-lasting with aesthetics in place to enhance the natural beauty of the living structures.