Posted on 5th Feb 2010 @ 4:47 PM

 I was approached by Ridgeway Forge in 2009 to undertake, the job of making some ornate lead plant labels and collars, for Hampton Court Palace, which was one of king Henry the VIII palace's. The challenage was the work needed to be completed within a few week's.  For the opening ceremony at Hampton Court Palace gardens.

Each plaque was unique, because every two plaques read a diffferent language and a different flower name. The font's measured only 5mm in height, each plant label and collar had to be individually made by hand from the drawing supplied. Once I had finished making the patterns the moulds could then be made ready for the lead to be poured which was also under taken in our workshop which completed  the project. This was a timestaking task which I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed and felt privilaged that part of my craftsmanship is now part of British Heritage.  

    One of the finished collars at Hampton Court Palace                                           Some of the lead labels ready for finishing 

 Plant label situated in Hampton Court Palace          

                                                                                          Lead collars in the mould