Tending the furnace

Category

Library Item

Item no

29276

Title

Tending the furnace, Charles Laing and Sons Ltd, Beaverbank Place, Edinburgh

Artist / maker

Ansell, Andrew J L

Date

2012

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Charles Laing and Son Ltd was a family run, artisanal iron and brass foundry based in the Beaverbank area of Edinburgh. The company are believed to have been the last British foundry to use the traditional green sand method for moulding and working metals. Established in 1920, its primary source of business was fabricating brass parts and instruments for the lively shipping industry based in Leith. In later years they specialised in architectural conservation of historic buildings and monuments, refurbishment of existing iron street furniture and creating high quality, one-off pieces for everything from classic cars to farm equipment. Their work was highly regarded in the industry and can be seen as far afield as New York, the Faroe Islands and Australia. Laing pieces have made their way to some prestigious spots. Laing and Sons were responsible for a refurbishment of the grand staircase in world famous London department store Fortnum and Mason and cast winners award trophies for the Scottish Baftas. The foundry was operated by the Laing family for three generations and at the time of its closure in 2012 its managing director was Andrew Laing, Master Foundryman and grandson of the founder, Charles Laing.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Garments > Workwear

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing facilities > Foundries

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing facilities > Workshops

People > Adults > Men

People > Industry > Engineering Workers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Broughton

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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