Ornamental Ironwork: Two Centuries of Craftsmanship in Albany and Troy, New York

This book opens up a fascinating new world of highly skilled craftsmanship. It explains how to distinguish between wrought and cast iron and points out the many motifs that master ironworkers created. It reveals how early blacksmiths fashioned delicate railings to grace Federal-style residences and how foundries turned out thousands of prefabricated iron building parts that were at once economical and decorative. Many readers will be intrigued by the stunning ironwork inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Because ironwork in Albany and Troy was stylistically and technologically up to date with the best in America, this book provides a sound framework for comparing and documenting ironwork in other cities. A chapter for property owners explains how to repair ironwork and how to work with a contractor. For those who want to explore ironwork in upstate New York firsthand, there are walking tours of Albany and Troy.