Bending Fences to the Past

While living in Austin I built a fence for a client and friend. His only requirement was that it be similar to a vintage fence that was produced in the area in the 50's. I reproduced that fence to the best of my ability with a dash of artistic flare.

Drawing of a single bent wire picket.

Bending each picket on a bending form in my shop and spot welded each point of contact was tedious and physically draining.

Here you can see clearly how the pickets overlap to create a repeating pattern.

The fence required 300 separate overlapping pickets. Small metal connecting brackets hold the pickets firmly to the support wires that run the length of the fence.

We wanted the fence to rust and become weathered.

I was told that this style of fence was the precursor to the modern chain link fence found everywhere today. I prefer the old version.

The shadow is beautiful.