Photographs for the BBC Time watch  'The Mystery of the Ironbridge'  Ironbridge at Telford was designed by Abraham Darby The BBC Timewatch challange was to see if the main ribs and pillars of the ironbridge may have been erected as per the Painting by Elias Marten 1779.  There is no other known documented evidence, pictorial or otherwise on how the bridge was assembled apart from this painting which suggests the use of derricks and cross members.  The computer generated picture on the left shows the parts that were to be assembled.  Green : Main ribs made in two pieces  Orange: Upright pillars.  The intention is to cast and erect three half size sections of ribs and uprights using only 18th Century techniques.

This paintining is within the art collection of Skandia and is shown with their kind permission.

Here the job is finished at the first rib  the next photographs were taken laterwhen all three were assembled.

Reflection in the water

The image shows the circle formed by the reflection

Links  Technical Intro  Production of ribs  Production of Pillars  Casting Defects  Home H.Downs

This image has to be explained, the castings were made as in the 18th century enabling the historians to analyse the same defects,holes etc that are found on the original, hence the visible and pitting on the surface which was the top of the casting exposed to the air.  This is not representative of the quality of castings produced in our foundry today using modern methods and technology.

The last photo shows the three 'ribs' (left) locked into the 'uprights' with the 'cross stays'  if you have any questions please email at nigeldowns@yahoo.com

Links  Technical Intro  Production of Ribs  Production of Pillars  Casting Defects  Home H Downs   The Ironbridge Museum CD Available  Crown Joint Details