Iron Entomology

I've always loved the cathedral gate which this impressive lockbox adorns. The work of Tom Bredlow, it is a virtuoso display of wrought iron work (and repoussé, where raised designs, in this case the small bugs and interlocking circles of the faceplate, are hammered into existence from behind the metal plate). A butterfly head holds the swinging circular handle, while 3 flowers and 5 insects cover the faceplate. (In a bit of clever and witty design for incorporating the circular keyed lock cylinder, the two tiny insects which flank it are dung beetles, as if rolling their ball of dung home.) I opted for focus-stacking several captures, allowing me to avoid a higher f-stop which might've revealed more unwanted details of the wood door in the background.

© Chris Budny

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