architecture

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Ironworks

Old buildings typically have the most interesting details, don't you think? Walking around DC on a typical day, you find many examples of beautiful metal work. Above, a detail from an old banister at the National Portrait Gallery. I love how they have saved pieces and display them as art. A detail from a cast iron facade downtown. Thanks to the industrial revolution, ornate details like this are common on buildings from the turn of the last century. Much more interesting than the blank glass facades going up today. On a side note, I think a clever place to hide surveillance cameras would be in the eyes of this figure!
This piece of an unusual round iron fountain used to be in the courtyard of the national portrait gallery in an earlier life before it was enclosed. I love the patina on this piece. Imagine how beautiful it was with flowing water inside and geraniums planted in these urns.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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