A History of Cast Iron in Architecture

Originally published in 1948, A History of Cast Iron in Architecture is a comprehensive history of the part that has been played by cast iron in architecture and the allied arts in Britain. Any history of the rise and development of the iron-founding industry becomes virtually a history of the First Industrial Revolution. Examining the use of cast iron by builders and architects from late medieval times to the middle of the 20th Century the authors have also recorded a miniature history of British Industry. The introduction throws light on the early developments of iron-founding. The main sections of the book describe the rise and expansion of the cast-iron industry and its gradually increasing significance in architecture from 1650 to 1945. There are over 500 illustrations.

Introduction. 1. The Cast Iron Industry Becomes Established: 1650-1750 2. The New Material in Architecture: The Rise of Cast Iron: 1750-1820 3. The Industrial Expansion of the Cast Iron Industry: 1820-1860 4. Changes in the Industry Following the Development of New Uses: 1860-1900 5. Twentieth Century Developments: 1900-1945.

An author of almost sixty books, with topics ranging from interiors to furniture history, from industrial design to the use of plastics, Gloag was a member of an elite design culture that was highly visible throughout the 1930s and 40s.