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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Iron Gates

I recently took a trip to Emerald Isle for a Beach house vacation with some blogging friends. I must say it was a trip of a lifetime. Too much fun for one person to ever experience. There is the small historical town of Beaufort on this island. While visiting there we went to the cemetery. I know that sounds a bit morbid, but there is so much history to be told there. I took a few pictures of the iron work there. I love old iron work and the craftsmanship  that it took to produce such pieces.
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 029 (600x800)
I loved how the moss was growing on this post and fence giving it such a wonderful patina.
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 030 (800x600)
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 044 (600x800)
This gate and fence was so intricate with beautiful details.
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 045 (800x600)
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 046 (600x800)
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 047 (800x600)
2010 june North Carolina Puttzer's trip 049 (600x800)
The wealthy had their own family plots surrounded by fences and gates with the family name on the gate.

I hope you enjoyed some of the intricate work on the iron gates and fences. It just fascinates me. I love using old pieces like these in my garden as seen in this post. Iron gates can also be used as interior decorative pieces. I will do a post on that in the future.
“Enjoy the Process” Of:
Finding interesting ironwork in unusual places.
Kathysue

25 comments:

PAT said...

Have you visited Charleston SC? A beautiful city, well known for it's iron gates.

Love your photos and story, Kathysue.

A Perfect Gray said...

Kathysue! You have hit home with me. One of my favorite elements, not only for design but rustic and aged feel. Thanks so much for that beauty! Donna

Kat said...

Oh Kathysue, these are wonderful photos. I love old cemeteries, so much history. And this sounds silly, but as busy and hectic as my life is right now, they are SO peaceful and quiet. Your shots are gorgeous, I love the old iron work and the light is beautiful. I still can't believe I missed this trip! Hugs, Kat

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kathysue, aren't those all beautiful with that wonderful rusty patina. I see you have learned how to make huge photos on here, too. I don't know how, but they wouldn't fit on my layout anyway. Have a great weekend.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

What gorgeous gates! I love the weathered patina and the ornateness if the design! Your photos depict them perfectly...beautiful!

Happy Saturday...sweet friend!
Cathy

Anita Diaz said...

These make my heart sing! I LOVE iron, the older the better, and I LOVE the work that went into creating this beautiful art form. My dining table base was supposed to be sections of antique iron fencing, but after almost 10 years looking, I ended up having a craftsman make it. I have since seen some lovely pieces. Sigh. Love these so much!!

vignette design said...

Hi Kathysue,
Great photos of wonderful old ironwork. My weakness too! I wish I was in your pocket on your trip! Sounds like you ladies had so much fun. I read about it at The Tablescaper! Have a lovely weekend.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Kathysue...I had a friend that lived in Jackson (same place you got your mantle from) and they used old iron fences from a cemtery up on a loft bedroom...it was the most awesome thing I seen...Lots of people said they could't sleep there but hey it would not have bothered me at all...Great post girl...Happy Saturday to you on your piece of Ca. my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Jemsmom said...

Love those pictures! I love the rusty old patina that tells a history. I live in Charleston so I get to see so many beautiful old gates that it makes my heart sing!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I loved these shots of the iron gates...what history they evoke... hugs ~lynne~

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Kathysue! I have a
major soft spot for iron
gates and would LOVE to
have some on our property....
But, due to logistical
limitations, it won't work
at this house. But, I
snap them with my camera
whenever I see them....
To me it's just an amazing
art form. Probably why
I was so crazy about Savannah ~
those gates! Happy weekend,
dear friend : ) xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

When I see beautiful hand crafted architectural features like these, I'm reminded that many of the artisans are gone. No way that a machine, regardless of how wonderful it is, can replicate the look of hand-forged iron. I know we're moving forward, but I sometimes wish we had a few more of those artists around now. Interesting post...beautiful pictures.
Did you have fun with the grands this week?
www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com

Kellie Collis said...

So ornate and charming. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! x

xinex said...

I love iron fences too, KathySue, especially the intricate ones. We have one but ours is just simple cause the intricate ones are very expensive. There are a lot of beautiful iron fences in our cemetery too but sadly, a lot of the gates are being stolen and being sold to antique shops....Christine

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

I love this!!!!

La Dolfina said...

Thanks for tour and the lovely old wrought iron gates. They are beautiful. So glad you had a wonderful trip with your friends... now about that Luzianne tea? I could use a cup just about now. FYI, simple syrup is on sale at William Sonoma!!!
xo

Bring Pretty Back said...

Kathysue~ How luchy for you to spend a day looking at all of this beauty!!!
I think you and I would love the same style of cozy home! I found retro kitchen cabinets in pink and blue today on line from 1950's.The stove is pink and the dishwasher is blue! I am wondering if it would be a mistake to buy old appliances. It states they work great. Also ~ would they be horrible energy ineffecientdo you think?Help! Kristin

Bring Pretty Back said...

typing too fast! sorry about the typo's!~

Blooming Rose Musings said...

What extraordinary craftsmanship! I hope this skill hasn't been lost to history. When I see
gates like this I always think of Savannah and Charleston. Thanks for the tour.

Anonymous said...

We love iron gates! Great photos!

Eddie & Jaithan

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Kathysue! How much fun to see these again! Weren't they amazing? I loved visiting the Old Burying Ground! Best of all...the church choir practicing in the background! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I forgot to say how much I enjoyed seeing your pretty kitchen again in your last post! I love the way you change it with the seasons!...Debbie

Hamptontoes said...

Old iron gates are amazing. I don't have any, but love them!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

I love old iron gates as well and these are amazing examples. We are lucky here in DC to have a local tradesman who does incredible work. I had planned to have new stair spindles crafted out of a natural iron by them just before we learned we were moving...thank goodness I hadn't moved forward yet....but I still think of the design and hope it fits into the aesthetic of my new home. Sounds like a lovely trip!

Sue said...

I'm not crazy about "new" cemeteries...but I love walking through the old ones. They are so beautiful and I always want to know the rest of the story about the people, don't you? Your pictures are wonderful.