The Hampton-Preston Mansion in Columbia is one of South Carolina’s oldest structures. It recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a re-opening to the public after extensive renovations.
Hampton-Preston will complete its final phase of renovations in 2019. The main goal is to increase the capacity of the popular site to meet the needs of its many constituents, including students, groups, rental guests and the general public.
One of the features of these latest renovations is a dual entry stairway to the rear main level of the building that re-establishes the footprint of the house ca. 1850.
The stairway and rails for the dual rear entrance are being custom made by renowned Charleston blacksmith Robert Thomas. It is being protected from rust with hot-dip galvanizing by Galvan Industries, Inc. and will be painted after galvanizing to create a duplex coating.
Robert Thomas attended The National School of Blacksmithing in Hereford, England, where he studied traditional forging techniques. Now he oversees a custom ironworking shop and studio in Charleston – Robert Thomas Iron Design – where a team of blacksmiths take on complex projects like this one and create work of exceptional artistry.
Galvan’s attention to detail and award-winning excellence in galvanizing will keep Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Thomas’ work rust free and beautiful for many years to come.
About Galvan Industries, Inc.
Since 1958, Galvan Industries has provided the ultimate in corrosion control to steel fabricators and manufacturers. The first hot-dip galvanizing operation in the Carolinas, the company has grown to become the largest capacity contract galvanizer in the Southeast.
For details, or to place an order, call Galvan Industries at (704) 455-5102, Fax (704) 455-5215; e-mail: sales@galvan-ize.com.
Hampton Preston Mansion photos courtesy of Historic Columbia.
