English Leadwork: Its Art and History

Lawrence Weaver's design reference work appeared in 1909, and is now available from Donhead in this re-printed facsimile edition. It describes and documents many examples of decorative leadwork, which being durable and attractive lends itself in its simplicity to a multitude of forms. Whilst examining in detail the history and workmanship to be found on fonts, statues, urns and vases, the book also includes more modest structures such as pipes, pipeheads and rain-water cisterns. The author also explores the use of lead in roofing, particularly for spires, steeples and domes, and points out that it is one of the most efficient of roofing materials, giving many excellent examples of its use on Sir Christopher Wren's churches in London. With over 400 illustrations, comprising black and white photographs and drawings of all the different types of lead ornaments and structures, this volume will be of value to craftsmen engaged in leadwork, conservation professionals and all architects and architectural historians with an interest in this field.