Bench
- Place of origin:
Salisbury, England (made)
- Date:
1997 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Allen, Paul (designer)
Rural Development Commission (maker) - Materials and Techniques:
Wrought iron; steel with repoussé work, embossing and chasing
- Credit Line:
Given by the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers
- Museum number:
M.23-1998
- Gallery location:
Ironwork, room 114a
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 1998 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.
