Iron Grille 1941

This drawing of an iron grille was made by William Kieckhofel. Kieckhofel was active during a time of significant industrial change, and ironwork like this often reflects both practical and aesthetic concerns. Consider the duality inherent in a grille. It's a barrier, yet it also offers a view. This tension speaks to ideas of inclusion and exclusion, safety and confinement. In what ways does the wrought iron both protect and limit the space it occupies? The decorative elements soften the industrial nature of the iron, almost as if to domesticate it. Perhaps this reflects a societal desire to reconcile industrial progress with traditional craftsmanship. The design elements also suggest a cultural identity; is it European, Spanish, or perhaps a blend? This blending can represent the complex interplay of cultures and histories present in American society. Think about the stories this grille could tell, the spaces it has defined, and the lives it has touched.