Conservation Architect for restoration and traditional repairs works to historic wrought iron farmyard gates and associated stone piers to farmyard at Ballindangan Crossroads, North Cork, under the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme by the Heritage Council. All historic ironwork repairs were completed by master blacksmith using traditional repairs methods and existing patina of corroded ironwork retained and decay halted promoting the principle of minimum repair work. Missing rivets and bars were replaced with newly forged rivets and bars made from recycled wrought iron fixed with traditional rivet fixing and scarf lap joints. Replacement section of vertical bar was formed from recycled wrought iron in forge using a traditional spring fuller tool. Original mortise and tenon joint repaired and formed from recycled wrought iron. Original slapping bar heated in forge and straightened. All original patina retained including original blacksmiths mark evident at head. New buchán hinges formed from recycled wrought iron. Original drop bolts and wrought iron eye retained. Hot lime bedding mortar and wet dash lime render used to original stone piers. Builder’s hessian used to protect the lime render on site against wind and rain while allowing air flow through for carbonation of lime.
