p.post-meta { display:none; }

Ask the Experts

Ask questions, get solutions!

Ask the Experts provides free expert advice on key issues related to historic home and landscape care. The Conservancy organizes this free program, which is offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

"Ask the Experts: The Art and Craft of Ornamental Ironwork"

Robert Anderson | Anderson Ironworks

Saturday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free, but registration is required, and space is limited for this in-person program. 

Register HERE

Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for an extraordinary journey into ornamental ironwork with Robert Anderson, owner and partner of Anderson Ironworks. Anderson Ironworks has been a cornerstone of craftsmanship, blending traditional forging techniques with modern design to create stunning and functional metalwork that enhances architectural character.

For decades, Anderson Ironworks has contributed to the beauty and functionality of local landmarks, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and the MARKET at the Fareway. The company has also earned national acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and excellence in design.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of ornamental ironworking firsthand.

Explore the timeless art of ornamental ironwork in this engaging session, which blends history, practical knowledge, and a live demonstration. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an admirer of architecture, or simply curious about the craft, this program offers a fascinating look at integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern applications in architectural design.

Learning Objectives:

A deep dive into the origins and evolution of ironworking techniques.

Practical tips for maintaining and restoring metalwork to ensure long-term durability.

A live forging demonstration showcasing the creation of a classic scroll—a foundational design in decorative metalwork.

Robert Anderson:

As the owner and partner at Anderson Ironworks, Robert Anderson has been a driving force since 2006, continuing the family’s legacy of exceptional craftsmanship. Based in Worcester, PA, Robert specializes in ornamental ironwork, focusing on design, project management, and old-world forging techniques. After joining the family business, Anderson Welding, in 1992 following high school, Robert mastered foundational skills in fabrication and welding before transitioning to ornamental ironwork. He dedicated years to perfecting traditional forging methods, which have become the hallmark of Anderson Ironworks. Under Robert’s leadership, the company has earned national recognition, including prestigious awards from the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), such as a Bronze Award for Hand-Forged Iron Gates (2010), a Silver Award for Non-Ferrous Gates (2013), and a Gold Award for Restoration (2023) for the Princeton Ferris Thompson Gates. Robert’s work is prominently featured in local projects, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and Market, where Anderson Ironworks has crafted and maintained custom metalwork such as railings, planters, signage, and stainless-steel features. His dedication to blending tradition with innovation has made Anderson Ironworks a trusted name throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties and beyond, with a growing portfolio of creative and technically precise projects that reflect his passion for enhancing architectural character.

This program is perfect for anyone, from history enthusiasts to those curious about how to maintain or restore metalwork. During this free in-person event, Robert Anderson will provide an engaging exploration of the history, craftsmanship, and restoration of ornamental ironwork, complemented by a live forging demonstration that showcases the timeless beauty and precision of this craft.

The Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, and members make this free program possible. The 2025 Ask the Experts Event Sponsor is Ace Hardware Home Services and the Supporting Sponsor is E. G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design. Ask the Experts is organized by the Conservancy and offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

For advance questions or registration inquiries, please contact Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

Registration is free but required. 

We’re grateful to everyone who joined our 2024 “Ask the Experts” series:

March 9, 2024:Chris Wilson of Unique Indoor Comfort shared his expertise on retrofitting historic structures. Click HERE to download his presentation PDF.
April 10, 2024: Hap Haven, a sustainability expert, discussed innovative rainwater management at the SunHaven Carriage House. Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.
October 23, 2024: Hans Hesselein, RLA, LEED AP, and Martha Keen of Apiary Studio, a Philadelphia-based landscape design/build practice, shared their expertise on sustainable landscape design and the creative use of recycled materials during a virtual Ask the Experts event, “Recycled Landscapes.” Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.
October 29, 2024: Kate MacDougall, a Senior Risk Consultant and Historic Home Specialist with Chubb Insurance, and Shawn Swanson, Director of Project Management at Pinemar Construction, shared their expertise on historic home restoration, maintenance, and loss prevention during a hybrid “Ask the Experts event, “Case Studies in Restoration and Loss Prevention.” Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.

Our 2024 Ask the Experts programs were made possible through the generous support of our event sponsor, Harth Builders, and the event supporting sponsor, Wallace Landscape Associates, the Conservancy’s lead sponsor, Chubb, and our general and supportive businesses. Done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association, this free program offers an invaluable opportunity for homeowners to address prevalent issues related to historic homes and landscape care.

See some of our additionally recorded Ask the Experts virtual programs below! 

2025 LEAD SPONSOR

2025 GENERAL SPONSORS

Woodward logo

2025 ASK THE EXPERTS EVENT SPONSOR

2025 ASK THE EXPERTS SUPPORTING SPONSOR