London, England: Rural Development Commission (141 Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England SP1 3TP UK England. 01 722 336255 for orders), 1996 (cl979). Paperbound. 223 Pp. ISBN Number 1-8854070-28-l. Estimate of $24.95 plus shipping and handling. Included Drawings Price List (c1997).

     Three catalogs comprise the series from the Rural Development Commission. "Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork" is the largest, containing many of the drawings from the other two and this latest printed version is enlarged and revised.

     Working drawings may be ordered from the provided price list with a simple numbering system for cross reference. Hundreds of fine drawings are arranged into 15 sections. Title pages begin each section and list the drawing number and dimensions in standard measurement.

     The section on Gates is the largest, containing over a hundred graphics. Many of the drawings, when necessary, have multiple views with plan, side and cutaway images. The book applies a very skillful shading to show highlights and shadows of the beautiful designs. The diversity of styles gathered over many years are really quite amazing.

     Numerous dragon and animal heads adorn fireplace tools, lighting fixtures, door knockers, armillary spheres and other items. A complete alphabet of letters terminate the handles of fireplace tools. Designs for electrical lights and candlelight supports range from tabletop, floor, hanging, wall brackets, driveway and railing mounts. Chess pieces, religious crosses, rosettes and acanthus patterns round out some of the unusual designs. To facilitate forging of these concepts, the tool section contains some excellent ideas.

     From small projects to enormous constructions, "Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork" is a wonderful source book. This would be a necessity in libraries of ironwork publications.

Reviewed by David W. Wilson

Reviewers Consortium

Dallas, Texas