Spirit Ironworks: Making Miracles With Metal

The Cloisters museum and gardens feature architectural elements by Samuel Yellin, a significant figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement. Yellin's metalwork, ranging from intimate to monumental scales, is integrated into various spaces within The Cloisters, often forming the entry points for visitors. Born in Russia in 1884, Yellin immigrated to Philadelphia in 1900, where he apprenticed as a blacksmith, studied at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, and later taught "wrought-iron work." He established his first shop in 1909 and, by 1915, moved into a purpose-built studio. At its peak in 1928, his firm, "Samuel Yellin Metalworker," employed 268 men and executed over twelve hundred commissions in the 1930s. The company, now known as the Samuel Yellin Metalworkers Co., continues to operate under the stewardship of his granddaughter, Clare Yellin. Yellin's dedication to his craft is evident in his philosophy, notably his assertion that "There is only one way to make good decorative metalwork and that is with the hammer at the anvil." This principle guided his studio, where even draftsmen were trained in basic blacksmithing to ensure a fundamental understanding of metalworking processes. He emphasized working from traditional designs, believing past masters captured the "poetry and rhythm of iron." His extensive collection of antique ironwork served as a crucial resource for his staff, with some pieces later acquired by The Cloisters in 1955. Yellin's own creations are also part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The collaboration between Yellin and The Cloisters likely began in 1935, with initial contact made by Yellin himself, alongside a letter of introduction praising his work sent to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Archival documents confirm a 1937 contract for ornamental railings, grilles, gates, and structural iron door frames, including decorative pins for the Portcullis Gates and a whimsical bell frame on the building's southwest corner. An additional order followed the building's opening, providing stair rails for the Gothic portal and the Postern Gate stairs. Yellin's metalwork at The Cloisters functions both as independent art and as harmonizing architectural elements. He believed ironwork should not act as a barrier but rather create a visual connection between people and buildings, and the surrounding environment. Examples include unique grille designs for the east facade windows, featuring simple, geometric patterns with technically challenging pierced intersections. All lower-level exterior and interior courtyard windows are equipped with grilles of various patterns. Standard railing designs, used both indoors and outdoors, feature square iron balusters rotated by forty-five degrees, flat handrails often pierced by balusters, and volute terminations. Balusters on staircases and rampart railings are further distinguished by a square horizontal rail at midpoint. The railings are designed to be both tactile and visually engaging, showcasing the manipulation of iron through turning, twisting, and pulling. Yellin strategically incorporated tenons as integral design elements, making joinery explicit and adding texture and dimension. He maintained that his work was "honestly and simply done," reflecting the material's nature in its handling and finish. Despite the perceived lack of intrinsic value and coarse appearance of iron, Yellin saw its potential, stating, "I love iron: it is the stuff of which the frame of the earth is made and you can make it say anything you will." The visual evidence of handcrafting imbues his ironwork with significant character and appeal, particularly fitting within the stone context of The Cloisters. #SamuelYellin #Metalwork #TheCloisters #ArtsAndCraftsMovement #ArchitecturalDesign #WroughtIron #Blacksmithing #HistoricPreservation #MuseumArchitecture

This blog post outlines the comprehensive range of builders' metalwork available from Wickes, emphasizing the critical role these components play in construction and structural integrity. The selection encompasses various essential items designed to provide strength, stability, and corrosion resistance for diverse building applications. Key categories of metalwork include angle brackets and plates, joist and truss hangers, wall ties and wall starter kits, rope and chain, sheet metal, and PVC and metal angles, tubes, and rods. Angle brackets and plates are fundamental for reinforcing joints and connecting structural elements. These items, along with mending and nail plates, are crafted from durable materials like stainless or galvanized steel, ensuring robust connections and long-term performance. Joist and truss hangers are crucial for securely attaching floor joists and roof trusses to supporting structures, distributing loads effectively and preventing movement. The availability of different types, such as timber-to-timber mini joist hangers, highlights the versatility and specialized nature of these products for specific construction needs. Wall ties and wall starter kits are indispensable for masonry construction, providing stability to cavity walls by securely connecting inner and outer leaf masonry. These components are vital for preventing wall collapse and enhancing the overall structural integrity of buildings. Rope and chain offer a range of utility beyond structural applications, including securing materials, hoisting, and general-purpose use on construction sites. The availability of various types, such as blue polypropylene rope, suggests options for different strength and application requirements. Sheet metal, including materials like aluminium checkerplate, is presented as a versatile option for various protective, decorative, and functional purposes. Its application can range from cladding and fabrication to providing durable surfaces. PVC and metal angles, tubes, and rods, such as Rothley antique brass angles, offer solutions for edge protection, framing, and decorative finishes, providing both structural support and aesthetic value. The use of stainless or galvanized steel across many of these products underscores their high strength and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications where durability is paramount. The article reiterates that Wickes stocks an extensive range of these metalwork components, highlighting their suitability for various building projects due to their durable construction and material properties. The emphasis on high strength and corrosion resistance across the entire range ensures that builders and DIY enthusiasts can find reliable solutions for their construction needs. This broad selection of metalwork facilitates efficient and safe construction practices, ensuring structural soundness and longevity in various building projects. #BuildersMetalwork #ConstructionMaterials #AngleBrackets #JoistHangers #WallTies #SheetMetal #StructuralComponents #CorrosionResistance #BuildingSupplies

Product designer Hilla Shamia has developed a distinctive furniture series that merges molten aluminum with natural wood. This innovative design approach results in unique pieces where the hot metal interacts directly with the wood, creating a visually striking and texturally rich outcome. The process involves pouring molten aluminum onto carefully selected pieces of wood. As the metal cools and solidifies, it infiltrates the porous structure of the wood, creating a seamless and organic bond between the two disparate materials. This integration is not merely superficial; the molten metal effectively becomes an integral part of the wooden structure, highlighting the natural grain and contours of the wood while introducing a contrasting metallic element. A key characteristic of Shamia's technique is the intentional charring that occurs at the points of contact between the molten aluminum and the wood. This controlled burning effect adds depth and a unique aesthetic quality to each piece, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between the extreme temperatures of the metal and the organic nature of the wood. The charring creates dark, rich outlines and textures that complement the metallic sheen, enhancing the overall visual appeal and narrative of the furniture. The raw edges and natural imperfections of the wood are often preserved, allowing the molten aluminum to flow into these irregularities, which further accentuates the natural form of the wood. Each furniture item in this series is inherently one-of-a-kind due to the unpredictable yet controlled nature of the molten metal's interaction with individual wood pieces. Factors such as the type of wood, its density, moisture content, and the specific contours of its surface all contribute to a unique outcome with every pour. This bespoke quality ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, offering customers furniture that is both a functional object and a piece of art. The series includes various furniture types, showcasing the versatility of this technique across different applications. Shamia's work exemplifies a contemporary approach to design, pushing the boundaries of material combination and process. By juxtaposing the industrial strength and fluidity of aluminum with the warmth and organic beauty of wood, she creates a dialogue between natural and man-made elements. The furniture challenges traditional notions of material compatibility, presenting a novel aesthetic that is both rugged and refined. The designer's official website provides additional images and detailed insights into the creative process, offering a comprehensive look at the stages of development and the intricate results achieved. This collection not only provides functional furniture but also serves as a testament to the potential for innovative material applications in modern design. #MoltenMetal #WoodFurniture #HillaShamia #ProductDesign #UniqueFurniture #MaterialInnovation #ArtisticFurniture #HomeDecor

John Rais, a master of steel fabrication, will be giving a lecture titled "Iron in Architecture; The Yale Art Galleries Staircase Project" on April 19 at CraftBoston Spring. His journey into blacksmithing began at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where an initial interest in industrial design was redirected by his first welding class. Since then, Rais has specialized in creating functional art pieces from metal, including fire screens, vessels, furniture, and intricate railings. One of his most significant recent accomplishments is an iron railing project for the Yale Art Gallery, part of a substantial renovation and expansion. This project involved an in-depth collaboration with Elise Kenney, an archival expert at Yale. Together, they delved into historical letters from 1928 that detailed the original staircase design by master blacksmith Samuel Yellin. The original staircase was never fully completed due to funding issues, but the architect's notes and sketches provided crucial insights into the intended design. Rais and Kenney meticulously reconstructed Yellin's vision from these historical documents, including marginal doodles and sketches. Following this research, Rais dedicated a year to sketching, drafting, and developing prototypes for the 92 railing panels required for the three-story museum space. He incorporated two primary motifs, the inverted dogwood and the quatrefoil, into unique iron panels featuring patterned filigree and vines, all designed to complement the existing balustrades. To ensure a visual continuity with Yellin's original work, Rais chiseled between 30 and 40 distinct designs. While each panel maintained a consistent thematic thread, it was crucial that each piece possessed its own unique character. Rais emphasized his goal was to create an engaging visual experience, ensuring that observers would discover something new every time they viewed the railing. This approach highlights his commitment to both historical accuracy and innovative artistry. In addition to architectural ironwork, Rais also explores a unique concept of bringing extreme weather phenomena into the home through his "natural disasters" collection. An example of this is his piece titled "Morning Storm," which is presented as a table. This collection showcases his diverse artistic range and ability to translate complex ideas into tangible, metallic forms. CraftBoston, the event hosting Rais's lecture, will be donating $1 from the sale of each ticket to One Fund, from April 19-21. This initiative connects the artistic event with a charitable cause, adding another layer of community engagement to the exhibition. #JohnRais #Ironwork #Blacksmithing #YaleArtGallery #ArchitecturalIron #CraftBoston #MetalArt #Design #Artistry

The article showcases a renovation project in a 19th-century laneway building in Toronto, transformed into a flexible live/work studio space for a client and their media and production company. The architectural firm UOAI, with collaborator Piccaluga Design Inc., focused on maximizing the allowable floor area across two floors plus a mezzanine level, while incorporating varying degrees of privacy and audio/visual control for the studio spaces. The design leverages the site's urban environment, creating a sense of spatial immediacy. The project's experiential quality is characterized by its refusal to fully reveal itself at once, instead relying on passages between and views through shifting layers to create a multiplicity of readings. The primary studios on the lower levels are intentionally cocooned by surrounding elements such as stairs, platforms, long halls, tall storage, service volumes, and overhead voids. This sense of interiority is balanced by visual connections to the surrounding laneway context through framed openings, both existing and newly created. A key design element is the prominent use of black metal panels and beams, which define the spaces and create a striking aesthetic throughout the interior and exterior. Blackened steel panels form the ground-level entry, setting the tone for the industrial yet refined design. A blackened steel stair rises to the mezzanine, acting as a focal point and connecting the different levels. Voids are strategically incorporated, allowing light to penetrate deep into the structure and creating visual connections between floors. The main living area features voids that open to the mezzanine above, contributing to an open yet defined spatial experience. The upper mezzanine level studio is nested within full-height void spaces that remain uninhabitable, maintaining a connection to the lower levels while offering a distinct vantage point. Corner glazing at both ends of the floor and a roof deck extend the mezzanine outwards, providing views of the city and integrating the interior with the urban landscape. The renovation successfully blends existing and new materials, creating a dynamic interplay of textures and forms. This renovation addresses the complex requirements of a live/work environment within a historic urban fabric, emphasizing both functionality and a unique aesthetic identity through the deliberate use of materials and spatial manipulation. #LiveWorkSpace #TorontoArchitecture #LanewayBuilding #Renovation #ModernDesign #BlackMetal #IndustrialAesthetic #UOAIStudio #UrbanRenovation

This article explores the diverse world of metal wall art, offering a curated selection of decorative pieces to enhance various interior styles. The selection aims to inspire homeowners looking for quick and effective ways to add character and visual interest to their walls. The featured items range from abstract and contemporary designs to rustic and ethnic-inspired pieces, ensuring there's something to suit different aesthetic preferences and room functionalities. The article begins by highlighting the versatility of metal wall art, suggesting its use in modern dining rooms for a bold statement or in country-style living rooms with whimsical, nature-inspired motifs. It also touches upon creating a serene atmosphere in bedrooms with ethnic-inspired panels or adding a playful touch to home offices with unique, stylized characters. Several specific examples are provided to illustrate the range of available options. The 'Autumn Leaves Metal Wall Art' by Artisanti is described as an eye-catching piece featuring three branches of leaves in autumnal hues of brown, red, and gold, complete with embossed vein detailing and a soft metallic shine. This piece is noted for its dimensions of H75 W34 D3cm and is priced at £62. Another option, the 'Water Lilies Metal Wall Plaque' from Next, is presented as a statement piece measuring H45 W100 D7.5cm. Its silver effect is recommended for contrasting against brightly colored walls and is available for £60. For those seeking options for both indoor and outdoor spaces, the 'La Hacienda Butterfly Swarm Wall Art' from Graham & Brown at Very is introduced. This piece, with dimensions of H75 W58cm, features colorful butterflies designed to brighten up any setting, including garden fences, and is priced at £39. Adding a vintage touch, the 'Ampersand Metal Wall Art' from Graham and Brown, measuring H61 W50cm, showcases a rustic ampersand with a map print finish. This versatile piece can be wall-mounted or freestanding and costs £45. The 'Trellis Metal Wall Art' by Habitat is featured as an iron wire decoration with a random geometric design, adding 3D interest to plain walls. Its dimensions are H49 W100 D2.5cm, and it retails for £45. For a coastal theme, the 'Fish Schwarm Plaque Metal Wall Art' from Home Etc at Wayfair offers a stunning shoal of fish design made from grey stone-look metal for a rustic effect. This piece measures H53 W97 D2cm and is priced at £77. Dunelm's 'Cosy Skandi Leaf Metal Wall Art' provides a vibrant option with colorful blue, yellow, and orange leaves on twisting grey stems, crafted from durable metal. Measuring H63 W28cm, it is available for £20. To create a zen ambiance, the 'Corinthe Metal Wall Art' from Maisons du Monde is highlighted. This exotic-inspired piece, with a chrome effect finish, is 60x60x2cm and complements a blue color palette, priced at £45. For a unique and colorful accent, the 'Wire Antelope Head Metal Wall Art' by Oliver Bonas is presented. This green wire antelope head, measuring H58 W30 D15cm, is made of iron and costs £30. Finally, the 'Origami Metal Wall Art' from Living by Christiane Lemieux at House of Fraser is described as a hand-crafted piece inspired by nature, art deco, and mid-century styles. This metal piece, H50 W50cm, adds glamour and is suitable as a central statement on a wall, retailing for £180. Each description provides key specifications, including dimensions and pricing, along with suggestions for how each piece can enhance different home aesthetics. The article serves as a practical guide for selecting metal wall art, offering diverse styles and themes to cater to various decorative needs. #MetalWallArt #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #WallDecorations #DecorativeArt #HomeStyling #Artisanti #Habitat #Wayfair

This article provides practical, low-cost, and safe methods for restoring various metal objects found around the home, focusing on steel, brass, silver, and aluminum. The guide emphasizes using simple techniques and readily available tools, making metal restoration accessible to individuals without specialized equipment or extensive experience. For rusty steel, the article distinguishes between lightly rusted items, such as an old bunion reliever, and heavily corroded objects like C-clamps. For thin, even rust, a gray Scotch-Brite pad combined with WD-40 is recommended for quick removal. After cleaning, a thin layer of fresh WD-40 or Renaissance Wax is suggested for protection against future corrosion. For more severe rust, an Evapo-Rust bath is employed. Warming the Evapo-Rust can accelerate the process, and a subsequent scrub with Scotch-Brite and WD-40 is used to achieve a smooth finish, restoring functionality to tools like C-clamps. When dealing with painted brass, specifically brass-plated door hinges, the guide highlights the importance of preserving the plating. Abrasives are avoided to prevent scratching. The method involves a two-step paint removal process: Krud Kutter is used to loosen latex paint, followed by a heat gun to soften oil-based paint, which can then be gently scraped off. Crucially, the heat gun should be set to a low or moderate temperature to soften the paint without burning it, and the process should be conducted in a well-ventilated area. If lead paint is suspected, alternatives like encasing the paint or professional removal are advised. For silver plating, especially antique items with worn-down layers, a gentle approach is paramount. The article advocates for the use of mild metal polishes like Wenol Auto and Motorcycle polish to clean the silver without removing too much of the remaining plating. It specifically cautions against a common hack involving aluminum pans, boiling water, and baking soda, as this can result in an unnaturally perfect finish and excessive plating removal. Instead, a soft cloth and a light touch are recommended, aiming for a sheen rather than a mirror finish, and preserving tarnish in recessed areas to maintain an antique appearance. This gentle approach is also suggested for antique brass furniture handles and other delicate metal objects. Finally, for aluminum, such as a moka pot, the article details how to create a brushed or grained finish. This is achieved by using a fine abrasive like Scotch-Brite with parallel strokes. The technique can be applied dry for a more dramatic effect with sharply defined scratches, or wet for a subtler grain pattern and less mess. Wet sanding helps wash away aluminum shavings, preventing the formation of a tenacious gray powder. This brushed finish not only provides a modern aesthetic but also helps to disguise minor scratches and dents, making it a practical choice for everyday items. These four techniques collectively enable the restoration of various metal objects, bringing them back to a functional and aesthetically pleasing state. #MetalRestoration #DIYProjects #HomeImprovement #RustySteel #PaintedBrass #SilverPlating #AluminumFinishing #HouseholdMaintenance #ToolCare

This article explores the aesthetic and functional benefits of integrating industrial elements, specifically metal cladding, into contemporary residential architecture. It highlights how a mixed-media approach, combining materials like wood, metal, and cement, can create visually appealing and modern home exteriors, moving beyond traditional combinations of stone, wood, and brick. The discussion emphasizes that while traditional material mixes can sometimes appear haphazard, the thoughtful incorporation of industrial materials tends to achieve a more cohesive and sophisticated design. The article features twelve examples of contemporary homes that effectively utilize exterior metal cladding. Each example showcases different architectural firms and their unique interpretations of this design approach across various locations and environmental settings. For instance, PB Elemental Architecture is highlighted for its successful use of exterior metal cladding, setting the stage for subsequent examples. Finne Architects, based in Seattle, demonstrates the use of two tones of metal cladding on a Port Ludlow home, where horizontal striations complement the wood-lined roof, creating a harmonious blend with its forested surroundings. M+A Architecture Studio in Houston presents an affordable home design that employs bold colors and alternative materials, including metal siding, which respectfully references the vernacular architecture of local farm buildings. WA Design, a Berkeley-based firm known for sustainable structures, showcases an industrial-style home in Napa Valley that incorporates corrugated metal, stucco, and Cor-Ten steel across three distinct volumes, illustrating material diversity and thoughtful composition. Genesis Architecture from Wisconsin features a Milwaukee home designed to maximize southern exposure with large, metal-framed glass expanses and horizontally ribbed metal siding integrated with wood slats, balancing light and shade. Knowles PS, an architecture and interior design studio near Seattle, integrates multiple industrial elements such as vertical corrugated metal siding, unfinished wooden beams, painted metal posts, and factory-style porch lights in a Port Orchard home, juxtaposing them with horizontal wood slats. Samara Greenwood Architecture from Melbourne, Australia, presents a hillside house with corrugated metal panels set between thin strips of orange-tinged wood, with rectangular windows providing a contrasting horizontal orientation. Adams Mohler Ghillino Architects, another Seattle firm, combines corrugated metal siding with concrete stacks and wood elements for garage doors and windows in a home overlooking Lake Washington, showcasing a robust yet refined aesthetic. Homecraft Design & Build from British Columbia, Canada, designed a painting studio utilizing corrugated metal siding placed horizontally to create a shed-like appearance that integrates well with its wooded, rural setting. Intexure Architects from Houston developed a live-work studio featuring a predominantly gray, metal-clad exterior with protruding volumes that prevent the structure from appearing as a simple box. Kimberly Peck, an architect from New York City, designed a black structure in the Catskills using economical and environmentally conscious materials, including a fully corrugated metal front façade and a barn-style metal standing seam roof, with a traditional black paneled door adding an interesting detail. Finally, CR Forma, a design-build firm from Tulsa, Oklahoma, highlights a sustainable lake house incorporating recycled and natural materials such as stained redwood, corrugated metal, and gray wood slats on its exteriors. Collectively, these examples demonstrate the versatility and modern appeal of metal cladding in residential architecture, proving that industrial materials can be elegantly incorporated to create visually striking, functional, and contextually appropriate homes. The various projects illustrate how architects use metal in conjunction with other materials to achieve diverse aesthetic and practical outcomes, ranging from rustic modern to sleek industrial, while often considering sustainability and site-specific conditions. #MetalCladding #ContemporaryHomes #ResidentialArchitecture #IndustrialDesign #SustainableArchitecture #ExteriorDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials #HomeDesign

The article details the process of repairing and restoring a brownstone's front stoop and historic ironwork, specifically focusing on the replacement of a stolen newel post and the resurfacing of the stoop stairs. The authors, known as the Brownstone Boys, recount the initial shock of discovering one of their two front iron newel posts missing shortly after closing on their house. They explain that these newel posts, along with iron railings, are iconic features of historic brownstones and their absence significantly detracts from the property's character. The investigation into the theft revealed that the steel rod extending from the top of the newel post into its cement base can rust and sever over time, causing the cap to loosen. This looseness makes the post an easy target for thieves. The authors ensured their remaining post was solid and committed to monitoring its condition to prevent a similar incident. Fortunately, the design of their stolen newel post was common in Brooklyn, making a replacement relatively easy to find. They located an exact match at a salvage yard, albeit painted brown and with flaking paint. Their restoration plans for the newel post involve installing it and applying a fresh coat of black paint, a necessary maintenance step for iron railings every few years to prevent rust. In addition to the ironwork, the stoop stairs were also in need of repair, with brownstone layers chipping away. This common renovation issue led them to include resurfacing the entire stairs with a new layer of brownstone in their project plans. Acknowledging that this is not a DIY task they are comfortable with, they obtained several professional quotes, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for the work. This stoop and ironwork project represents a significant step forward in their brownstone renovation journey, as it was a task they had continuously deferred until the interior living spaces were completed. The completion of this exterior work is anticipated to restore the historic charm and integrity of their brownstone's facade. #BrownstoneBoysReno #HistoricIronwork #StoopRepair #NewelPostRestoration #BrownstoneRenovation #BedStuy #HomeImprovement #ExteriorRestoration