Lead has been used since antiquity. The Romans used lead casting techniques to construct water pipes, and in England the Worshipful Company of Plumbers received its Ordinances in 1365.
Lead can be easily melted, cast, jointed and decorated which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. Decorative plumbing leadwork was used for rainwater pipe heads, down pipes, soil, vent and waste water pipes, as well as other lead elements such as gutters, strainers and supplementary lead cellar bin labels, sculpture or plaques. After the dissolution of the monasteries, decorative leadwork was principally confined to the embellishment of country houses. In the eighteenth century leadwork was added to churches in a more reserved fashion and it wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that there was a resurgence of interest in decorative architectural leadwork (P T J Rumley).
Traditional leadworking skills include: Such traditional skills include wiped soldered joints (underhand, upright, splash joints), lead pipe fabrication, gilding, wrought lead, tinning, soldering, pipe bending, repoussé work, casting (in all its forms), incised work, filigreé work etc.
n/a
n/a
Buildingconservation.com has a directory of business offering leadworking and decorative leadwork
The Lead Sheet Training Academy hold a list of roofers who are trained to Level 3 &4 in Heritage leadwork.
Listed buildings are protected by law and plumbing leadwork repairs have to be done on a like for like basis. However, modern lead welding has taken over wiped points and soldering (as few people can do these skills) and this changers the character of the piece.
The basic principle of good architectural conservation is to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible by only undertaking work that is essential to a building’s survival. Where fabric has deteriorated, effective and honest repair should be the first consideration. Replacement is the last resort (P T J Rumley).
* Heritage Crafts are planning to review this data in consultation with the sector in 2023-2024
Become a Heritage Crafts Fan and receive a free monthly newsletter about craft announcements, events and opportunities.
Subscribe