Restoration Projects

Highly skilled artisans, visionary sculptors, specialist restoration firms, architectural metalworkers, traditional blacksmiths, creative engineers, and innovative designers who have successfully undertaken and completed outstanding restoration of historic, aged, or damaged metalwork OR created truly unique, artistic, or unconventional steel projects.

Your work on the nominated restoration project or unusual creation must have been completed (or a major, clearly identifiable phase completed demonstrating the core skills) between 1st July 2023 and 30th June 2025. The individual, team, or business primarily responsible for the work must be a registered business based on the island of Ireland (the final completed location can be outside of Ireland). For Restoration Projects: Entries must demonstrate meticulous historical research and understanding, strict adherence to established conservation principles and ethics, exceptional skill in using specialised (and often traditional) restoration techniques, careful selection and use of authentic or appropriate materials and finishes, and clear success in maintaining or reinstating the original character, detail, and structural integrity of the metalwork. For Unusual Projects (Art, Architectural, Non-Architectural): Entries should compellingly highlight genuine innovation in design and conceptualisation, mastery of relevant fabrication techniques (whether traditional forging, modern welding, CNC processes, etc.), creative and thoughtful use of metal (alone or with other materials), and the overall artistic, functional, or intellectual impact of the finished piece. All entries should clearly showcase the ability to collaborate effectively (e.g., with clients, architects, engineers, conservation specialists, foundries, specialist finishers, community groups) to deliver high-quality, authentic, and efficient results that genuinely push the boundaries of traditional metal fabrication and/or restoration practices.

Overall quality of the end result, demonstrable craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to every detail; Degree of Innovation (in creative concept, technical solution, or restoration methodology) and skill in Technical Execution; Complexity of the specific challenge undertaken (whether artistic, structural, material-based, or conservational); Effectiveness and depth of Collaboration with all involved parties to achieve the stated vision and high-quality outcome; Uniqueness of the project, its authenticity (especially critical for restoration), and its overall impact or significance within its context.