Shem Caulfield giving a presentation on wrought iron gates in Multyfarnham last week.

'Skill and craftsmanship that predate the industrial revolution'

Published: Fri 16 Jun 2023, 9:18 PM

Shem Caulfield addressed a capacity meeting room in Multyfarnham Community Centre on Saturday morning of last week and those assembled heard a riveting account of inherent skill and craftsmanship that predate the industrial revolution.

"Forged vernacular wrought iron hallmarked the Irish industrial revolution at the crossroads."

Shem evocatively compared the significance of the totem poles to native Americans to the forged iron gates in the Irish countryside, highlighting their importance to understanding our social history and heritage.

Shem, with Westmeath County Council heritage officer, Melanie McQuade, emphasised "Our history, Our Heritage, Our Responsibility!"

For more information, contact Ms McQuade: melanie.mcquade@westmeathcoco.ie.

Shem Caulfield has been photographing and documenting wrought iron gates around Ireland for more than 15 years.

Read about his work here.