Paper short abstract:

This paper deals with the role of foreign influences and local craftsmanship in the sedimentation of an insular identity, by making a preliminary approach to late romanticist patterns of wrought iron and, particularly, cast iron railings and gates in the façades of S. Miguel Island, in the Azores.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper we analyse how foreign influences, combined with local craftsmanship and circumstantial factors, play a very important role in the sedimentation of an insular identity, in terms of architecture. In order to do so, we make a preliminary approach to both cast iron and wrought iron railings and gates, as well as to other similar ornaments existing in the façades of S. Miguel Island, in the Azores, particularly in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and Lagoa. The analysis ranges from some of the earliest examples to the most interesting examples dating from the beginning of the 20th century. We will emphasize the second half of the 19th century and, particularly, the late romanticist patterns for cast iron balconies, locally produced. We will demonstrate how, in this particular aspect of History of Architecture, islands are, effectively, a privileged study laboratory.