The difference between the use of wrought iron and cast iron in the production of antique garden furniture was often down to its period, its method of manufacture and its style. Earlier Regency wrought iron examples were usually manufactured by the local blacksmith in his forge, and were much simpler in design, where later Victorian cast iron furniture was mass produced and designs were far more varied and elaborate.
From the plain parallel lines of a Regency reeded and lattice work wrought iron garden seat, the hand work of the smithies is evident. Heating and continued hammering of the iron removed impurities and made the iron malleable. Continued working and hammering could then produce the straight and curved designs that were required. Wrought iron furniture of this period was (more…)