Royal Hospital Chelsea | gates

Description: Working with an outline concept proposal, provided by the architect, we developed a theme, both visually and technically, to give the result artistic flow and a feeling of authenticity.

Founded by Charles the II in 1682 the principle buildings of Royal Hospital Chelsea are by Sir Christopher Wren and references to them have been incorporated into the new Infirmary by Quinlan & Francis Terry. The gates carry on the traditional theme in not only style and workmanship but also in materials, being made of genuine wrought iron.

We were given the concept and entrusted to breath some life into it. Little tweaks made all the difference: we softened the spikes with a twist, adjusted decoration for visual weight and flow between one section and another and fine-tuned the material section size to add depth and interest when viewed in 3D

We provided the contractor with workshop drawings, which incorporated both the construction methods and moulding and incision features, with meticulous attention to detail. Made using traditional blacksmith construction techniques, there is no electric welding: all frame joints are held together by hot punched mortises and hand forged tenons riveted together. Collars hold the scrolls in place, while elsewhere flush hidden screws make for a neat finish. The gates were funded by The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers

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Service: Period Concept Design Development & Specification

Architect: Quinlan & Francis Terry

Location: Chelsea, London