1898, that is the original year of construction of this farm. The year that Queen Wilhelmina was crowned and when the Netherlands was fully immersed in the Industrial Revolution. Artisan workshops were gradually being replaced by factories, leading to the decline of skilled labor in the industry.
However, a number of small blacksmith shops survived and began to focus more on products that were not easily mass-produced, such as decorative fences and ornaments for churches. This craft was passed down from generation to generation, which is why there are still blacksmith shops today that practice the old craft.
But now, let’s return to this specific farm. Built in 1898 in traditional Brabant style. At that time, the anchors for securing the wooden beams were forged in the blacksmith shop, and often the year of the build was placed onto them. This was also done for this farm.
Then the war broke out, and fierce battles were fought in the region. During one of those fights, the facade of this farm was damaged. After the war, everything was repaired, but without the characteristic numbers 1898.
The current owner of the farm has always intended to restore these numbers to the facade, in order to give the farm back its original character. So, we set to work restoring the facade to its former glory.
First, we determine the height and shape of the numbers, after which we make a sketch on paper. We try to take the proportions of the farm into account as much as possible. Once we are satisfied with this, we draw the numbers in chalk on the floor, so that we have a reference during the forging process.
In this case, we use 20mm square bar construction steel (ST37). Carefully, the piece of iron is heated in a traditional coal fire every 10 to 15 centimeters, and then we use a hammer and anvil to forge the points and create curves. Each time, we check whether the shapes match the sketch.
For attachment, two strips are shaped around each number, into which a threaded rod can be screwed, which is then glued into the wall. This also creates the optical illusion that they are original anchors.
All in all, it’s a really fun project and the result is beautiful.
If you have a task that requires some craftsmanship, please send a message. We can then explore the possibilities together.