Full restoration of the metalwork on a historic cast iron signpost and lamp

A collaboration with Toby Robson of Black and White Conservation 

Following a serious collision this historic signpost  was badly damaged and no longer in serviceable or safe  condition. 

The two key objectives were firstly to make the structure safe for long term outdoor display in a new location and secondly to maintain the original appearance of the signpost and as far as possoible the integrity of the original material.

After an detailed assessment of the damage the decision was taken to engineer an  internal steel scaffold preserve as much of the original material and appearance as possible for permanent installation in a park in Swindon itself. 

The restoration involved

• Brazed repairs to cast iron parts 

• Fabrication of an internal steel support structure for the post which had fractured in several places. 

• Reinforcement of the sign boards with  discreet steel frames so that the damaged sections were no longer load bearing. 

• Stripping and refinishing with modern, environmentally friendly water based paints. 

• Remanufacture of the original cast iron junction box in steel to allow the original cast iron lighting fixtured to be reused with modern LED lights