About Anvil & Chain

Fusing master craftsmanship and modern innovation to preserve and interpret Ireland's industrial soul. We don’t just restore buildings. We resurrect stories.

At Anvil & Chain, we believe Ireland's industrial heritage is a vital national asset. Our mission is to preserve this legacy through a unique blend of historical integrity, technical innovation, and passionate storytelling, ensuring these significant chapters are accessible for generations to come.

Forged in Dublin

Anvil & Chain was born from a pivotal conversation between two passionate individuals – a meticulous historian and an innovative engineer – within the bustling confines of a Dublin pub. Both lamenting the silent decay of the city's once-thriving industrial landmarks, they recognized not just a loss, but a profound opportunity to intervene. It was during this impromptu meeting that the seeds of a new approach to heritage preservation were sown, envisioning a future where Ireland's industrial past would not merely survive, but truly thrive.

The name 'Anvil & Chain' itself embodies this vision. The Anvil represents the enduring strength of master craftsmanship, the physical act of creation and restoration, and the solidity of our commitment. It speaks to the skilled hands-on work and the tangible legacy we help rebuild. The Chain, conversely, represents the vital links we forge: connections between the past, the present, and the future, the interwoven stories of people and progress, and the strong partnerships we cultivate with communities, clients, and fellow experts across Ireland.

Historic photo of Dublin's industrial docks, showcasing past industry
Dublin Docks, circa 1900. A testament to Ireland's industrial might.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Ciaran Murphy, Founder & Director

Ciaran Murphy

Founder & Director

With a lifelong passion for Ireland’s industrial past, Ciaran founded Anvil & Chain after a distinguished career in civil engineering. His vision is to fuse rigorous historical research with cutting-edge restoration techniques, ensuring each project both honors the past and leverages modern innovation for longevity.

Dr. Aisha Khan, Head of Conservation

Dr. Aisha Khan

Head of Conservation

Dr. Khan holds an MA in Conservation Studies from University College Dublin and a PhD focusing on 19th-century Irish industrial architecture. Her expertise guides our meticulous approach to material preservation, ensuring the highest ethical and scientific standards are applied to every artifact and structure. "Preservation is not about freezing time, but about understanding history to guide its future."

Sean Collins, Head of Digital & Interpretation

Sean Collins

Head of Digital & Interpretation

Sean brings a dynamic background in interactive museum technology and UX design. He specializes in transforming complex historical data into engaging digital experiences, from augmented reality tours to interactive archive platforms, making heritage accessible and exciting for diverse audiences.

Our Core Values

Authenticity

Our work is meticulously grounded in rigorous archival research, forensic investigation, and an unwavering respect for historical fact. Every restoration, every exhibit, tells a true story.

Innovation

We constantly seek and integrate the most advanced technologies and methodologies to better preserve, interpret, and engage with industrial heritage, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Collaboration

Our success is built on strong partnerships. We work hand-in-hand with clients, local communities, government bodies, and fellow experts to achieve shared goals and create lasting impact.

Join Our Mission

Whether you're a potential team member or a partner with a vision, let's connect and build the future of heritage preservation together.

Careers at Anvil & Chain

We are always looking for passionate and skilled experts to join our growing team. Explore opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects across Ireland.

See Open Positions

Partnerships & Projects

Let's collaborate on a project that sparks new life into Ireland's industrial past. Get in touch with our team to discuss your heritage goals.

Contact Us