Wrought iron is a traditional form of iron valued for its strength, durability and ability to be worked by a skilled blacksmith while hot. For centuries it was one of the principal materials used for architectural fittings, furniture, lighting, gates, railings, tools and decorative metalwork.

Unlike cast iron, which is melted and poured into a mould, wrought iron was historically produced as a relatively low-carbon iron containing small quantities of slag distributed through the metal. When heated in a forge, it can be hammered, drawn, bent, twisted, punched and joined to create both structural and highly decorative forms.

The term derives from the historic meaning of “wrought” as worked or fashioned, reflecting the importance of manual forging to the material.