Metals in Urban Landscapes: A Guide to Reading City Materials
The article proposes a method for reading urban historical landscapes by focusing on materials, specifically metals. It categorizes metalworking techniques to date and identify objects in cities. Key techniques include hot forging, recognizable by hammer marks; stamp forging, common since the Industrial Revolution; hand forging, using mechanical hammers; extrusion, producing rods and tubes post-Industrial Revolution; and lamination, ancient but industrially refined. Alloys like cast iron (used for lampposts, benches) and bronze (for sculptures, often via lost-wax casting) are discussed. Precious metals like gold and silver appear as leaf or galvanic plating (since 1791). The article is part of a series on urban materiality, linked to Artribune's newsletters on art market, urban regeneration, and cultural tourism.
Key facts
- The article focuses on metals in urban historical landscapes.
- Hot forging leaves hammer and tong marks on metal surfaces.
- Stamp forging became widespread after the Industrial Revolution.
- Hand forging uses mechanical hammers and produces smooth, regular forms.
- Extrusion produces rods, tubes, and bars, typically post-19th century.
- Lamination can be ancient (hand/mallet) or industrial (rolling).
- Cast iron is used for lampposts, benches, and manhole covers.
- Bronze sculptures are often made via lost-wax casting.
- Gold leaf application uses techniques like missione or bolo.
- Galvanic plating (electroplating) was developed in 1791 by Galvani.
- The article is part of a series on urban materiality.
- Artribune offers newsletters on art market, urban regeneration, and cultural tourism.
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- Artribune