Eye-popping, like images that flood our minds from the pages
of a Hemingway novel, wrought iron craftsmanship fastens itself in the imagination
of a passerby. It’s not surprising that Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West in the 1930s had
a wrought iron gate hanging at the side entrance. That gate was being sold on
eBay in February of this year, as an aside. “That gate opened and closed for
some of the most notable characters that have ever visited Key West ,” said Bob Smith, 12 year tour guide
at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.[1]
When I see a beautiful wrought iron fence, I think it adds
elegance, class, an impression of stability and timelessness and, ornamentally
speaking, a touch of magic. It’s moving beyond functionality. The fence
compliments and enhances what lies behind its dark fingers of strong spike
tipped posts. It’s like an ornament except that it evokes a feeling of
security. A wrought iron fence inspires awe, intrigue and blends mystery with
character.
The features that you want in the wrought iron fencing you
choose all depend on good craftsmanship. Excellence in craftsmanship is in the
eye of the beholder, or is it? I think it comes from the workmanship and is
recognized by the beholder. If you’ve ever watched HGTV or listened to “Down
and Dirty with Frank Fontana,” you may have heard about ornamental ironworker
Fred Gebbia.[2] He
thinks that fences “rank somewhere between living objects and works of art,
requiring both compassion and attention to bring out their true patina.” He is
passionate about fences and takes a lot of pride in what he does, with a
devotion to quality. In fact, he searches the country looking for true wrought
iron antiques to buy, and has a “warehouse with 20 tons of antique gates,
window guards and fence sections.”[3]
Wrought iron fencing brings a timeless quality to your home.
Artisan craftsman Adam Roberts, from Savage, MN thinks that’s true and that
people should consider wrought iron, because “there are a lot of options – as
far as design and fitting into the style of the home. There’s also the
durability factor. Wrought-iron pieces can last for 30 years to a lifetime.”[4]
Once a passionate high quality professional installs your
wrought iron fence, it’s a low maintenance product. The posts may rust
eventually and the paint will experience wear and tear. Embedded posts should
be treated to resist rust and be well caulked at the seam with the concrete so
that they can last a long time. Hire a professional who is passionate about
quality and beauty.
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