Historic Bradford Market

Dorothea Restorations had the opportunity to be part of the old Kirkgate Market entrance gate restorations which are now on display at the newly built Darley St Market. This forms part of Bradford long history of market and trading within the city. The old Kirkgate Market was built in 1872 by Lockwood and Mawson and stood for a century before it was demolished in 1973.

The restoration project consists of several objects retained by Bradford Council, these items guarded the entrance into the old Kirkgate Market. The components were divided into two different displays, one located in the external courtyard and the other within the new Darley St Market seating area.

The external display consists of a large decorative overthrow which originally was supported by a grand decorative stone doorway. The overthrow weighs more than 2400lb and has a shield with three bugles, a banner with a top hat and the Bradford Boar at the top of the shield. This is very similar to “The Bradford Shield” used during 1847-1908. The overthrow spans a set of gates which previously guarded one of the smaller entrances which have also been restored.

The internal display consists of a complete set of panels and overthrow which was located at one of the main entrances. The cast iron construction has several decorative items secured to the main overthrow. Each panel has been cast as one piece and the detail and quality of the castings are what makes them stand out.

Dorothea carried out repairs to any cracks found and took moulds for cast missing components for reinstatement. Missing sections were replaced with new grey iron castings which were reinstated. The components were then abrasively cleaned to remove any debris from the surface and a new protective coating applied by hand.