Cut Out Hinges

Cut Out Hinges

Darren Ainsworth • July 11, 2017 Cut out hinges came in to fashion around 1300 Ad, this technique uses sheet iron on which the required pattern is drawn and then cut out using a variety of shaped chisels and punches while the metal was hot, the hinge was then hammered...
Fixing Modern Locks To Period Properties

Fixing Modern Locks To Period Properties

Darren Ainsworth • February 28, 2016 Today insurers require 5 lever mortice locks to be fitted to your property, otherwise they will not insure your home against burglary, which is fair enough, the modern 5 lever mortice lock is very hard to pick, whereas the old...
Norfolk Latch

Norfolk Latch

Darren Ainsworth • September 2, 2015 The invention of the Norfolk latch during the early industrial revolution was seen as a nail in the coffin for the village blacksmith, the suffolk latch was in decline , and with it the masterful creative manifestations of the...
Handforged Hinges

Handforged Hinges

Darren Ainsworth • February 26, 2015 Up until one hundred and fifty years ago a large part of the blacksmiths work would have involved making hinges, the average residential home would have had at least half a dozen doors and also chests, cabinets, gates, outhouses...
Geometric Door Hinges

Geometric Door Hinges

Darren Ainsworth • September 29, 2014 Until about the year 1250 the majority of door hinges were the c hinge and strap design , we then begin to see the norman influence appear with the use of geometric motifs and wovern interlocking circles, one of the most striking...