|
|
|
Hand Forging by Thomas F. Googerty
|
18 HAND-FORGING
increasing popularity, for there is a fascination about it that appeals to both pupil and teacher.
Iron, as one of the baser metals, demands a close following of conventionalized treatment.
Its forms should suggest combined strength and pliability, and it must be found in its proper place, serving the purpose for which it is made, and not overworked in such designs as leaves, twigs and flowers.
The wrought-iron worker should be intimately acquainted with his material.
He must know how much working the metal will stand under certain conditions; how much can be worked hot and what part may be worked cold.
He should be able to put his ideas on paper and picture their working-out in his mind.
In no other way can one be successful in this craft.
The true craftsman must study the ironwork of the past as well as modern examples in order to get a correct idea of what is considered good.
It is not the purpose of this volume to treat on design, for that is a study in itself.
However, it may be well to say that designing in wrought iron, as in every other material, has limitations, and it should be kept free from impossible demands.
Consideration must always be given to the appropriateness of the design as regards its position.
In designing a set of andirons for a fireplace, for example, the first thing to consider
|
|
|
Hand Forging by Thomas F. Googerty