The Russian Gates

The Nemours project began with the restoration of The Russian Gates. Surmounted by a crest containing the Russian Imperial Crown these ornate wrought iron gates honor Catherine II (the Great). Her birth, 1729 and death, 1796 are picked out in gilt letters on either side of her initials –CII. It is almost twenty feet to the top of the crest while the gates themselves are almost ten feet across. Attributed to Jean Tijou, a French designer of ironwork, they are thought to have been made around 1700 when Tijou was completing his work at Hampton Court Palace. Extraordinary details include the Lion’s Head pulls as well as the many floral elements that seem to unfurl everywhere across the surface.

The restored Russian Gates.

Streaked with rust the gates and lanterns were in danger of permanent damage.

The masonry piers that support the gates were cracked and badly in need of repair.

The many floral ornaments were in danger of being lost forever.

The crest was removed followed by the two gate panels. All materials were returned to our facility in Alabama where they were cleaned, repaired and painted.

Soon the component pieces were ready to be installed.

New masonry would be worked around the installed ironwork.

The gates are positioned with the assistance of a Lull.

The reconditioned floral elements exhibit all their fine detail.

The Lion’s Head pulls are of exceptionally beautiful workmanship.

At the very last the gilded representation of the Russian Imperial Crown is set into place completing our work.