Welcome to the leading UK specialist in Architectural Metalwork Restoration

Our engineering specialists apply traditional skills and craft to the creation of new-build architectural metalwork and the reproduction of missing elements in historic settings.

Our crafts team works with a wide range of materials, including genuine wrought iron, cast iron, steel, copper and copper alloys (such as brass and bronze), tin, zinc, lead, and gilded/decorative finishes, as well as associated masonry, carpentry, joinery, and glazing.

Our high calibre metalwork can be found anywhere that demands the very highest standards of craftsmanship from architectural ironwork features (such as gates and railings, windows, verandas and canopies, roof lights and domes, balustrades, staircases and balconies) to complete architectural structures including iron bridges, conservatories, bandstands, fountains and glasshouses, ecclesiastical restoration, and industrial heritage machinery (windmills, watermills).

We aim to provide

• Ethical Conservation

Please read our conservation policy

• Original ideas and robust engineering

Supplying new mechanical devices

• Experience

The Directors jointly have over 40 years of practical experience in a diverse range of industrial heritage, engineering, and structural and architectural ironwork.

• Viable contracts

Fixed price where possible, with areas of uncertainty identified in advance as far as practical.

Periodic reporting of expenditure relative to the budget.

• Personal service

We supervise or carry out each project personally, focusing on the details, and providing "instant action" emergency breakdown service if necessary.

• Ongoing support

• Operator training

• Written guidelines

• Condition/safety surveys

• Planned maintenance

• Emergency call-out

Click below to see some of our recent projects:

• Restoration of the Victorian Bronze Lion moorings on the Embankment in London

• Restoration, Final Demonstration and Dismantling of the historic hydraulic stage lifts in Drury Lane Theatre in London

• Restoration of Harrod's restaurant Art Deco Laylight canopy in London

• Tower Bridge Steam Engine Piston Repair in London

• Quakers Walk Ironwork Gate Restoration in Devizes

• Cast Iron and Lead Window Restoration at the Pro-Cathedral in Bristol

• Iron Drinking Fountain Restoration at St Nichols Market in Bristol

• Clenchers Water Mill Restoration in the grounds of Eastnor Castle Estate

• Cast Iron Heritage Finger Post Repairs 

For more detailed advice about caring for typical aspects of architectural metalwork:

• Caring for architectural cast iron

• Maintaining wrought ironwork

• Cast-iron rainwater system care

• Maintaining metal casement windows

• Traditional leaded light maintenance

For an insight into typical conservation and restoration techniques employed by us here at Dorothea Restorations:

• Wrought iron restoration

• Cast iron restoration

• Copper restoration

• Lead restoration