09 April 2024
We designed and manufactured this unusual staircase for a recently renovated studio, providing access to the mezzanine level above whilst working around the layout of the room on the ground floor. The project presented a couple of key challenges. The pitched roof above the mezzanine meant that access at the top of the staircase needed […]
04 November 2023
With around 10,000 conservation areas in England, knowing what you can and cannot do when installing a new external staircase, balcony or railing on properties located in these areas is the best way to avoid potential problems. Conservation areas can be: Old town or city centres Historical hamlets, villages or towns Old suburbs of cities […]
01 November 2021
Ever wanted to live in a Jane Austin style mansion? At Churchgate House we worked with the homeowners and interior designer, Fenella Pledger, to help recreate a Georgian aesthetic within a much newer home. This included cast iron railings and a matching gate, a large Victorian Spiral Staircase and wrought iron balustrading for a stunning […]
24 June 2021
Whether you’re embarking on the new-build of your dreams or just getting to the next stage on your doer-upper, period or modern railings can add character to your property whilst keeping loved ones safe. The Building Regulation and planning requirements for these features in the different regions of the UK can be a little confusing, […]
18 February 2021
External metal railings are a great option to add a little more character and security to the outside of your property. We offer hundreds of railing components within our cast iron store and can also manufacture bespoke railings for longer runs (over 5 metres in length). As with any significant change to the exterior of […]
27 November 2020
For over a century the Science Museum in London has been inspiring visitors from across the world with the wonders of science. The museum’s world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical advancement from across the globe and includes objects ranging from Robert Hooke’s microscope to the Enigma machine and Tim Peake’s […]
02 October 2020
If you’re looking to repair or restore sections of the original metalwork outside your property, there are a few things you need to consider. As we discussed previously, design tastes varied considerably over the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian periods so it is important to try and accurately estimate the age of the metalwork (the clue […]
12 March 2020
Cast and wrought iron railings may appear to be indestructible, but take it from us, these features can easily fall apart if they’re not cared for properly. Over the years we’ve helped a number of clients restore parts or entire sections of period railings which have fallen into disrepair. With a little care and attention, […]
13 November 2019
There’s a growing movement here in the UK to restore the decorative parts of period homes that have been lost or covered up over time. Just take a look at the #victorianterrace tag on Instagram and you can see countless examples of homeowners stripping out modern-style plastic windows to replace them with more traditional sash-style […]
02 October 2019
Decorative metalwork helps to define the character of many period homes, adding charm and splendour. It’s no surprise then that when homeowners are looking to make changes to these properties, they want to ensure any railings, balusters or stairways match the style. As specialists in period metalwork, we’re always looking to ensure any metalwork […]
31 May 2019
Railings can add decoration to your property, help to separate it from the street and even provide some additional security. We design and produce bespoke railings in lengths beginning at 5 metres in both cast iron and wrought iron. In addition, we also offer a range of individual railing components within our cast iron store. […]
17 September 2018
Fine ironwork has long been a defining part of the London street scene. Many homeowners are now reinstating the beautiful railings and balusters outside their properties, which were removed as materials for the war effort. Earlier this year, we helped one family to do just that on their home in South West London. The five […]
30 July 2018
Here in the UK, metal railings, gates and balusters outside homes and other public buildings are almost always black. Scratch below the surface, however, and you’ll find most of this metalwork has a much more colourful past. Deep Blue Mid-century metalwork was typically painted to help protect it from corrosion. By the 1600s, the […]
25 April 2018
Small metal studs are a common sight on the tops of walls surrounding many older British properties and public spaces. These often-unnoticed features are all that is left of the original gates and railings. In this blog, we’ll take a look at why these railings were removed, and what you need to do if […]
17 August 2017
It can be difficult getting the balance right between creating a welcoming home and ensuring safety, but garden wall railings can offer a functional and stylish solution. Our home is our safe space. It offers us the freedom to express who we are and what we like, whilst also providing us with an enclosed environment […]
25 April 2017
Here at British Spirals & Castings, we’ve been manufacturing replacement railings for period properties for many years and offer a range of designs on our cast iron store. We classify these historical railing designs into three categories: Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian. But what is the difference between these styles? A Brief History of Iron Railings […]