Saturday, March 13, 2010

Ironworks

Old buildings typically have the most interesting details, don't you think? Walking around DC on a typical day, you find many examples of beautiful metal work. Above, a detail from an old banister at the National Portrait Gallery. I love how they have saved pieces and display them as art. A detail from a cast iron facade downtown. Thanks to the industrial revolution, ornate details like this are common on buildings from the turn of the last century. Much more interesting than the blank glass facades going up today. On a side note, I think a clever place to hide surveillance cameras would be in the eyes of this figure!
This piece of an unusual round iron fountain used to be in the courtyard of the national portrait gallery in an earlier life before it was enclosed. I love the patina on this piece. Imagine how beautiful it was with flowing water inside and geraniums planted in these urns.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

10 comments:

Cornflower said...

Love your idea for the security camera!

La Petite Gallery said...

That was just womderful. I am so glad you are showing these treasures. Can you imagine how much we have lost of elegance
to so called progresss.

yvonne

The Down East Dilettante said...

I have always been made for interesting ironwork---cast, wrought, classical or not so, it's great stuff, and often the making of a building.

James said...

Great stuff, thanks for sharing.

alaine@éclectique said...

Having a lovely weekend, thank you; a beautiful autumn day! Embellishments are so appealing to me too. Enjoy your weekend.

Karena said...

Stefan, I would love to find a unique iron stair railing for my entry, let me know if you see anything in an architectural salvage, not too too dear! (As Mrs B would say!)

Beth Dunn said...

Very cool!
xoxo
SC

Marija said...

Okay that security camera could really sell! A little spooky but massively interesting! Marija

the.neo.lifestyle said...

Hello,

Indeed, I follow your idea there are a lot of things that could be nicer than minimalistic stuff.

Good weekend

David

Thombeau said...

Lovely!