Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ironwork, Room 114d

Bench

1996-1997 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bench was commissioned from the Rural Development Commission and designed by the then forgework advisor, Paul Allen. It was made over several months during the course of 1996/7 by a team of blacksmithing apprentices, many of whom have signed the piece. The work counted towards their final certificate.

The bench was designed to display a variety of forgeworking techniques, both constructive and decorative, such as the double heel tenon joints which form the end frames and the fire-welded flower motifs. The mild steel seat is decorated with repousse (embossed) and chased ornament including the arms of the London Ironmongers' Company, including two standing salamanders, animals reputedly able to withstand fire untouched.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wrought iron; steel with repoussé work, embossing and chasing
Brief description
Bench, wrought iron, designed by Paul Allen, made by the apprentices at the Rural Development Commission, Salisbury, 1996/97.
Physical description
Wrought iron bench embossed with the arms of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers on the back. The end panels and back incorporate repousse technique.
Dimensions
  • Length: 162.5cm
  • Height: 90cm
  • Depth: 64cm
Marks and inscriptions
'R.D.C. APPRENTICES 1997. ASSHER DURE' ("ASSHER DURE" means hard steel, and is the motto of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers of London.)
Credit line
Given by the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers
Subject depicted
Summary
This bench was commissioned from the Rural Development Commission and designed by the then forgework advisor, Paul Allen. It was made over several months during the course of 1996/7 by a team of blacksmithing apprentices, many of whom have signed the piece. The work counted towards their final certificate.

The bench was designed to display a variety of forgeworking techniques, both constructive and decorative, such as the double heel tenon joints which form the end frames and the fire-welded flower motifs. The mild steel seat is decorated with repousse (embossed) and chased ornament including the arms of the London Ironmongers' Company, including two standing salamanders, animals reputedly able to withstand fire untouched.
Collection
Accession number
M.23-1998

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Record createdJuly 18, 2005
Record URL
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