The Legacy of Adelaide’s Simpson Foundry and the Iconic Cast Jointed Simpson Gates

A pair of cast jointed Simpson gates grace the entry to this property. Victorian post caps accentuate the post and rail fencing.

 

When it comes to classic Australian gate designs, few are as iconic as the cast jointed Simpson gates. These beautifully crafted gates, produced by the historic Simpson Foundry in Adelaide, have stood the test of time, offering durability, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. If you appreciate heritage design, traditional craftsmanship, and the rich history of Australian manufacturing, you will love discovering the legacy of Simpson gates.

A pair of automated cast jointed Simpson gates grace the entry to this property.

A pair of automated heritage cast jointed Simpson gates were custom made to fit this entrance. Victorian post caps accentuate the post and rail fencing.

The History of the Simpson Foundry

The Simpson name is deeply rooted in South Australian manufacturing history. Established in the 19th century, the Simpson’s started a small-scale foundry and metalworking operation before rapidly expanding into a powerhouse of cast iron and steel production over the 20th century. Many associate the company with household appliances and whitegoods. However, it also played a crucial role in shaping Australian infrastructure, particularly through its production of high-quality cast iron gates.

The foundry’s gates quickly became popular across South Australia and beyond due to their intricate designs, robustness, and practical functionality. Today, many original Simpson gates still stand on historic properties, proving the superior craftsmanship that went into their creation. However, collectors are finding these gates harder and harder to find.

What Are Cast Jointed Simpson Gates?

Simpson gates are renowned for their unique cast jointed construction, a technique that provided both strength and flexibility. Unlike fully welded gates, cast jointed gates feature precision-engineered cast iron components, over the joints, connected through traditional foundry methods. This approach ensured durability while also allowing slight movement, which prevented stress fractures over time.

Their aesthetic appeal is another reason why they remain so beloved. The cast iron designs incorporate intricate scrollwork, floral motifs, and geometric patterns, reflecting the Victorian and Edwardian architectural influences of the era. Whether positioned at the entrance of a grand estate or a charming cottage, Simpson gates enhance the character of any property.

A pair of cast jointed Simpson gates grace the entry to this property. Victorian post caps accentuate the post and rail fencing.

A pair of automated heritage cast jointed Simpson gates grace the entry to this property. Victorian post caps accentuate the post and rail fencing.

The Enduring Appeal of Simpson Gates

Heritage enthusiasts and homeowners alike continue to seek Simpson gates for their authenticity and period-accurate detailing. However, original Simpson gates are becoming increasingly rare, with many either lost to time or requiring significant restoration. As a result, demand for high-quality reproductions has surged, as these carefully crafted replicas preserve the original charm and craftsmanship of these historic gates.

Why Choose Reproduction Simpson Gates?

If you want to add a historical touch to your property, then reproduction Simpson gates provide the perfect solution. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, it is now possible to create faithful replicas of this classic design while incorporating improved, Australian made materials. Here’s why reproduction Simpson gates are a worthwhile investment:

  • Authenticity – Made to match the original design with period-correct aesthetics.
  • Durability – Manufactured from high-quality Australian steel.
  • Customisation – Custom made in sizes from 1.2m to 3.6m.
  • Ease of Installation – Designed for easy installation, just like the originals.

Preserving Australian Heritage, One Gate at a Time

Reproduction Simpson gates offer more than just visual appeal; they help preserve an important part of Australian history. By choosing a heritage-inspired gate, you contribute to the continued appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and design. Whether you own an older heritage era home, a rural property, or simply love the timeless beauty of cast iron gates, these reproductions provide a meaningful way to celebrate Australia’s manufacturing past.

Are you looking for the Perfect Cast Jointed Simpson Gate for Your Property?.

If you are searching for a Simpson gate, you have come to the right place. Farmweld specialise in high-quality replica heritage gates that capture the elegance and history of the original Simpson Foundry gates. Explore our range of gates today and bring an icon of Australian heritage architecture to your home.

Browse our range gates, including the reproduction Simpson gate now and find the perfect entrance to your property!

5 star Google review for Simpson gate, "Tricia from Farmweld was wonderful to deal with. She helped me select the gates were after and she made communication via phone and email easy. The quality of the gates are top notch - we love them so much."

Review from happy customers! This pair of Simpson gates were shipped to NSW.

 

Is a Wrought Iron Garden Arch Right for Your Garden?

Custom garden arch

When considering your garden arch design consider not just beauty, but sturdiness. If you want to plant a climber and like the idea of a wrought iron arch, it might be worth having a good think about what you really need. A garden arch should be complementary to it’s environment. Most of all though, remember it’s your plant that needs to be showcased, with the arch giving it good support. So is it worth spending money on fancy ornamental ironwork, or is it a waste of money if it’s going to be hidden under foliage?

Get a Strong Garden Arch that Won’t Fall Apart – Don’t Invest in Heartbreak!

Round top garden arbour

Some garden arches are just showy pieces of ironwork. The purpose of a garden arch however is to support the plant growing over it. Who doesn’t love walking through, or sitting under a green canopy? One customer had such a dream. Her backyard was sunny and bright and she wanted to grow a canopy over her garden setting but the arches she’s seen elsewhere were flimsy and cheap.

Elegant heritage gate, not another mass produced gate.

Customised heritage gate

Making custom gates is what we do, not only tailoring the length so the gate fits well, but also offering custom gate styles. Gate manufacturers put out the same styles quickly, cheaply and in bulk. Their aim is to make quick money. Quality is no longer important. Redundancy is the game, forcing people like you to replace your gates often. In a world where waste is at record highs, Farmweld is bucking this trend.

From Folly to Garden Nook

Classic style garden arch adapted with wrought iron and tabs to attach a trellis.

A recent testimonial from a customer describing her project as a folly, is in fact a beautiful, practical garden arch which, once established, will make her garden the place she always dreamed of. In architecture, a folly is an ornamental or decorative building or structure that doesn’t serve much of a practical purpose, even if it’s meant to look like it does. It’s creation often reflects a whimsical inclination on the part of the garden designer, built primarily to be seen as part of the scenery. Often our customers have a wonderful vision of what they’d like to create with limited resources – their “whimsical inclination” or folly. That’s where custom making items to suit sits so well with these clients.

First impressions count – preparing your home for sale

A pair of hand made wrought iron gates in front of a house at Mitcham

When selling your home, first impressions are pivotal in whether a prospective buyer will turn up at your open inspection, so it’s important to get their attention. You don’t get a second chance with first impressions. For this reason alone, a welcoming front entrance with a beautiful, high quality wrought iron gate can make a huge difference in how buyers view the overall quality of the property. The initial outlay in bettering the street appeal of your home, can add thousands to the asking price of your home as we all having buyers line up at your open inspection, wondering what other quality features the house has to offer.

Daylesford Gate – New Heritage Farm Gate

Image of heritage farm gate modeled on Daylesford's Wombat Park entrance gate

Till recently, the Daylesford gate has only been available as a custom designed farm gate. Due to it’s popularity, we have decided to include it as a standard design under the bar gates collection, in the heritage style country gates range. Modeled on the entrance gate to the historic ‘Wombat Park Estate’, in Daylesford, Victoria the gate is:

Dog friendly gate

Pet safe wrought iron gate

Gates are not just for keeping people and animals out, but also for keeping our precious children and pets in. Usually for their own safety. Pet friendly gates don’t have to be boring and unattractive, but they should be safe. Most dog safe gates are usually plain, with vertical bars. However a simple embellishment may be more than enough to take a plain, boring gate up a notch to something quite elegant. This was our solution to one customer’s problem.

I want to buy a Wisteria arch!

Large wisteria support

We get frequent enquiries about wisteria supports, with many people wanting to grow wisteria over smaller arches. The beauty of wisteria flowers along with their perfume, their hardiness and dense foliage makes them a desirable garden and shade plant for pergolas and wisteria arbours. However, Wisteria are large, tough plants so it’s important to have an appropriate structure to give your wisteria support. Not only can it be invasive, but if Wisteria