Period design is no longer impossible.
Finding gates for a period property is not an easy task. Ideally an original antique gate is the best solution and occasionally it is possible to find one that will do the job, but in most cases the size is wrong or the gate may need so much restoration that it is not a viable solution. In fact after years of searching many customers have approached us and finally discovered the answer- we are able to help.

The wonderful properties of Vietnamese steel- perfect for antique work.
In solid section Vietnamese steel has been compared to the steel produced in England during the 1950’s. Re-cycled steel is widely used during manufacture resulting in a close resemblance to wrought iron. Drawn with rather rudimentary machinery there are irregularities along its length- sometimes corners are sharp, sometimes rounded. Square sections can be square at one point and rectangular at another. These characteristics are quite evident for the steel to be visibly different from modern European steel making it ideal for period work.

Hidden Welding.
We can construct our gates in a similar manner to those of the past. With prominent rivet work and straps that hold the sections together we can dress the welds carefully to make the joins less visible to the eye.

The unique qualities of handmade pieces.
There is much evidence that the steel has been vigorously worked in all our designs. Our craftsmen can spend a lot of time cutting, grinding, hammering, welding and forging the steel. This means that every line or curve has a handmade look and the slight irregularities that are characteristic of such ironwork.

Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel is used throughout our designs. It is not extruded through a die but forced between rollers when red hot. This imparts certain characteristics to the material- it is irregular along its length and slight folds can be seen here and there. It’s the ideal choice for period ironwork.

Blacksmiths Forge
Coal fired with air forced through from beneath; this forge can heat iron to temperatures up to 800 degrees C. When red hot the steel can be wrought into shape using hammers.

Preserving the past.
Many of the gate designs we recreate haven’t been seen for centuries and often the gates are lost forever. Old publications and blurred photographs are all that remain.

Altering design for today's requirements.
Even if it is possible to find beautiful, original antique gates in good condition they are often unsuitable for today’s purposes. Narrow widths of 9 or 10ft are common, with low overthrows meaning that although beautiful an original gate can be unpractical for modern traffic usage.

Copies of originals designed for ease of installation and automation.
We fit and test automation motors onto our gates in a factory setting ensuring that our gates are correctly engineered for the customer. A video can be emailed to the customer of the gates in automation before the customer takes delivery. This ensures that the installation process is as simple as possible. A basic system can be supplied with your gates and if necessary a local CAME rep www.cameuk.com will visit and personalise the system to your needs.

We favour the CAME automation system and for further information and product specifications please visit: gateinstaller.co.uk/automation/motors.html

Working with lead.
The traditional method of securing ironwork is by pouring molten lead into recesses in which ironwork sections are fitted.  (See image to right). It is common to see the remains of pre-war ironwork fixed to brickwork in this way as lead encased iron pieces protruding from the top of walls are often all that remain.

This is a very secure and permanent fixing preferred by listed property owners and conservation specialists. We can provide this service as you will see from the images of the brackets of the Hurley Hall gates set into the top of retaining walls.