Corrugated iron Buildings in Britain: cultural significance and conservation challenges
Date
30/11/2020Author
Induni, Elizabeth
Metadata
Abstract
By the early part of the nineteenth century it had become possible to roll wrought iron
into large flat sheets. At the same time, driven by the need for better trade facilities,
the London docklands were being built. In 1829 the engineer at the docks, Henry
Robinson Palmer, and collaborators created corrugated iron for use in building.
Acclaimed by engineers and entrepreneurs alike, this exciting and innovative material
was rapidly integrated into industrial, religious, migration and military uses. Since it
was patented in 1829 this corrugated iron has been used around the world,
particularly in frontier lands, where habitation would not be possible without it. But by
the end of the nineteenth century, corrugated iron had become a victim of its own
success – so common that it was anonymous.
This thesis explores why corrugated iron’s cultural significance in Britain is no longer
recognised. From the patenting in 1829 to the present day, perceptions and opinions
about the material have varied considerably. By describing the origins of national
architectural heritage, and the relationships between heritage values, I demonstrate
how historical and current perceptions of corrugated iron’s cultural value came to be
established.
This thesis stresses the importance of corrugated iron as part of the narrative of
Britain’s architectural, social and technological development. The invention and
deployment of corrugated iron is a key indicator of how the Industrial Revolution
changed British society. This research strongly indicates that Britain is in danger of
ignoring the cultural significance of corrugated iron buildings, thus running the risk of
distorting the nation’s architectural narrative. Corrugated iron is shown to be an
important part of that story and deserves to be designated and promoted alongside
the stately homes and thatched cottages of Britain.