Wrought Iron Fence 1935 - 1942

Willoughby Ions made this drawing of a wrought iron fence, though it's undated, it gives off such an old-timey feel. The drawing is all lines, which is interesting because iron is so solid, but here, the lines are delicate. If you look at the lamp post, you can see how the lines curve and swell, making it feel almost like it's alive, growing. It's like Ions is showing us the hidden energy in this rigid material. I love how the drawing isn't perfect. The lines wobble a bit, and you can see where Ions went over them again, which makes it feel human and handmade. It reminds me a bit of Piranesi's architectural drawings, that same attention to detail. This drawing isn't just a picture of a fence; it's about seeing the world in a new way, finding the beauty in the everyday.