Classic French Wrought Iron
Raymond Lecoq
Praise for Classic French Wrought Iron:
"Especially attractive are several pages with drawings of forged leafwork from the Baroque-Rococo period, including details from Jean Lamour's work at Place Stanislaus in Nancy. A quick reading of the table of contents reveals the breadth of information covered in this book: the iron industry, assembly, forge technqiues, aesthetics, evolution of style, leafwork, hinges, grille work, rails, locks, keys, latches, and bolts." —The Anvil's Ring
“Classic French Wrought Iron isn't just based on archives: the
author walked the streets of each French city he visited, recording examples of
metalworker's art in an archive of over 9,000 images, making for a reference
both authoritative and well detailed. The full-page black and white images are
exceptionally clear.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Curl's book is a useful alternative to the orthodox architectural histories
of classicism. Enhancing its utility are its index, clearly drawn plans, useful
glossary drawn largely from his A Dictionary of Architecture and
extensive illustrations . . . . Anyone who delights in the best that the art of
building can provide will value this book.”
—APT Bulletin
“One of the definitive works on architectural thought and practice.”
—Traditional Building
Overview
From grilles and gates to balconies and complex lock and key mechanisms, this book traces the successive styles of decorative French ironwork over its 700-year development. The authoritative work on traditional French architectural ironwork designs, from Romanesque to the Empire, the book's masterly black-and-white illustrations and concise explanations reveal the complex fabrication techniques and myriad elaborate foliate motifs employed by French craftsmen.
About the Author
The late Raymond Lecoq, a Frenchman, wrote extensively on ironwork and locksmithing. Richard J. Wattenmaker is director of the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art.
ISBN: 0-393-73157-X
Winter 2005
Cloth; 128 pages
