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Handrails - Staircases - Balustrades - Windows - Decorative panels - Water Features

The sequence of pictures below shows how we took a concept for a domed pavilion roof from the architect's drawings, constructed the dome in our works and installed it on site - a complete service from start to finish

Millennium Dome - Architect Robert Adam. Copper tiles on cast aluminium frame with cast aluminium finial

We can help you convert your vision into reality with architectural metalwork, technical woodwork, and moulded plastic resins for custom made decorative or functional architectural items such as:

• handrails
• staircase balustrades
• window frames
• water features
• columns
• decorative or protective panels and grilles
• plaques and nameplates

We regularly carry out work on prestigious new build and refurbishment projects and are approved contractors to the Royal Household, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and many other heritage and conservation bodies. In addition to work in the UK and Western Europe, we have completed projects in the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

We can work with output from most 3D CAD packages but we are equally happy to work from early conceptual sketches. You will be more than welcome to visit our works as the project proceeds so that you can review progress and see the quality of our work.

We like to get involved in projects at the design stage so that we can advise on ease of manufacture and choice of materials. For more information on choosing materials and how castings and mouldings are made, please click here Resource Page

When the Greater London Authority decided to redevelop Trafalgar Square, one of the highest profile open spaces in the capital, under the World Squares for All Masterplan, they awarded the project to Foster and Partners, one of the best known architectural practices in the world. The main objectives of the work were improvements to the appearance and safety of the Square. As part of this, Foster and Partners decided to upgrade and install additional handrails on the main steps leading up to the National Gallery. A substantial feature handrail was required, and it had to incorporate downlighting for safety and visual effect. G F James was approached during the design work and we prepared full size models of key parts of the handrail which were presented at meetings with the Architects and the Client. When the design had been agreed we manufactured the parts and installed them. We have subsequently delivered a number of projects with built in lighting and have recently been engaged for further work at Trafalgar Square.

Bronze is a versatile and durable material especially where a mix of functionality and decoration is required, as shown in the following selection of items made by us and all installed on one site at Constitution Hill, London:

Surround for recessed floodlight, Constitution Hill, London. Architect: Liam O'Connor	Bronze Streetlamp	Bronze filligree panel

Staircase handrails and balustrades

One of our specialisations is making and installing bronze and brass handrails and balustrades for awkwardly shaped staircases. A few examples are shown below:

Staircase handrails are typically constructed with an extruded brass handrail and cast bronze banisters or decorative infill panels, but the infill could also be wrought ironwork or glass.

Workshop trialling avoids unpleasant surprises For large items we will often construct a full size model of the installation in the workshop to enable us to trial fit a 'dry run' before we go to site. This ensures that everything goes as smoothly as possible on site and minimises the risk of expensive delays and alterations at the site stage. It also allows you and us the best visualisation of the final details of the concept, and you will be welcome to visit us during the trial fit. Installation We offer a full installation service using our own trained staff who work to the highest standards of site safety and are sensitive to the need for protection of historic structures.
	The Seafarers' Monument was designed by Michael Sandle for the International Maritime Organisation. The artist constructed a full size model in expanded polystyrene which was trial assembled on the outside wall of our factory. We then made a wooden pattern off this model and castings were made in sections and welded together on site. The joints have been left unconcealed to mimic the plates in the hull of a ship. The finished castings were chemically patinated to create the effect of weathered bronze

We are only able to show a small selection of our work here but we hope it gives you a flavour of the kinds of projects which we undertake. As you can see we offer a much wider service that just making metalwork, from advice at the design stage through manufacture to a full on-site installation service for all types of architectural bronzework, other architectural metalwork, and technical woodwork. Please contact us to talk about your project.

© Copyright 2007. GF James Pattermakers Ltd.