ONE of the world’s leading architectural metal workers is to give a talk in North Yorkshire.

Chris Topp, whose projects are found in places such as York Minster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Royal Hospital at Chelsea and Stirling Castle, is to give a talk to Ripon Civic Society on Thursday, May 1.

Mr Topp, whose firm is based at Tholthorpe near Easingwold has 25 years experience in the traditional skills and techniques of ironwork. He is the chairman and a founder member of the National Heritage Ironwork Group and is keen to ensure the survival of blacksmiths’ skills in ironwork conservation.

A division of his company, The Real Wrought Iron Company, is the only supplier of genuine wrought iron in the world and a world authority on its production and use.

Mr Topp will be giving a talk to Ripon Civic Society at 7.30 pm on Thursday, May 1 at Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon. There is a charge of £3 for anyone who is not a civic society member.