Further info Mrs Lesley Williams See also: |
 Carmarthen
Civic Society has published its extensive photographic survey
of the town's historic ironwork. This takes the form of an
interactive and bilingual CD-ROM and illustrates the contribution
made by ironwork to Carmarthen's appearance and character.
Its production was made possible by funding from the Lottery's
Awards for All programme and its content was developed by Margaret
Evans, a longstanding member of the society's executive committee.The compilation of the survey followed the acclaimed restoration of the iron gates at the English Baptist Chapel in Lammas Street (2000) and in Carmarthen Park (2002). Both projects received awards from the Civic Society. The survey illustrates the contribution made by both wrought and cast ironwork to the character and quality of Carmarthen, including modern examples. This ranges from small brackets to large gates and runs of railings. Also recorded are some runs of public ironwork from recent decades and opportunities for enhancement. The review encompasses chapels, churches, structures in public ownership, commercial premises, street furniture and some houses. In the case of publicly owned structures, some examples of gaps and opportunities for restoration or improvement are noted. Most dates quoted in captions have been drawn from published works (see acknowledgements), or from inscriptions found in situ, or supplied from owners' deeds. Where such information is not available, dates have been ascribed to features on stylistic grounds. A few examples of the decorative ironwork associated with the town's private dwelling houses are included, by kind permission of the owners. The contribution made to the town by privately owned ironwork is very great, and could be the subject of a further report. In addition to ironwork, examples of the use of other metals (e.g. lead, copper) have also been included. The report concludes that almost every street and public space is enhanced by ironwork, including 18th, 19th and early 20th century ironwork by local foundries. The town benefits particularly from the range and quality of decorative ironwork installed and maintained by the nonconformist denominations. Carmarthen’s first major ironwork restoration scheme was  undertaken
in 2000 by the English Baptist Church in Lammas Street. This project marked a
turning point in the town’s appreciation of its ironwork inheritance. Chapel
ironwork is maintained to a high standard, to the benefit of each street in which
the chapel is sited, and any contraction of the nonconformist movement would
have serious consequences for the town. When a place of worship becomes redundant,
conversion to other uses by sympathetic owners can preserve the building's character,
e.g. Parc-y-Felfet Chapel in Mansel Street.The town also has a wealth of 19th and early 20th century civic ironwork, frequently donated to the town by individuals, for example Carmarthen Park's bandstand and gates. The 1930s ironwork associated with the listed County Hall and listed Town Bridge is also particularly noteworthy. The quantity, quality and variety of ironwork maintained by Carmarthen Town Council is extensive, and the Town Council’s restoration of the entrance gates to Carmarthen Park is the largest ironwork restoration project to have been undertaken in the town. Much ironwork was sacrificed to the 1939-45 war effort, or has been lost to road and entrance widening schemes, or was swept away in the fourth quarter of the 20th century. The fourth quarter of the 20th century saw a separation of utility and visual quality.Barriers more commonly associated with industrial estates were installed at prominent locations such as the entrance to the County Hall. Chain link gates and fencing were added to, for example, Parc Myrddin. In place of the original wall and ironwork, chain link and razor wire protect the entrance to the barracks in Picton Terrace. Restoration of some historic features such as the railings around Nott's Monument can only be achieved with the infusion of outside grant support. In some cases, specialist outside firms with appropriate casting facilities will need to be used, but in many instances the restoration of decaying fabric, reinstatement of missing features, and introduction of new decorative ironwork presents an opportunity to generate local jobs and economic prosperity. The survival of many features can be attributed to their listed status. Restoration schemes depend greatly on advice from Cadw – Welsh Historic Monuments, grant aid from the Historic Buildings Council for Wales, and the work of the Conservation Department of Carmarthenshire County Council. Copies of the survey will be distributed to the local authorities, heritage organisations and potential grant-making bodies with a view to a future restoration programme. It will also be offered to builders, architects, surveyors, schools, colleges and interested members of the public. See also Carmarthen Civic Society awards 2005 Illustrations: Railings at Furnace House, St Peter's St; balconies at Hafan Tywi, The Parade (2004) |
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