Burghley’s Iconic Tijou Gates Make a Golden Return
Restored 17th century treasure returns to Burghley after meticulous conservation
The magnificent golden 'Tijou' Gates of Burghley House have made a much-anticipated return, following a programme of extensive restoration and conservation works.
Situated on the west front of Burghley House, the Tijou Gates have stood as an iconic feature for over three centuries. However, time and exposure to the elements had taken their toll, necessitating specialist restoration works to ensure their preservation for the future.
The gates were designed by Jean Tijou (fl. 1689-1712), a renowned French master blacksmith celebrated for his decorative ironwork. His craftmanship can also be seen at some of England’s most significant Baroque landmarks, including Hampton Court Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace and Chatsworth House.
Originally crafted from wrought iron and finished in gold, the Tijou Gates measure 366 by 425cm. The original gilding was carried out by René Cousin (d. 1701), a distinguished gilder who worked alongside Antonio Verrio (1636-1707) during his commission to paint the State Room ceilings at Burghley for John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700).
The restoration process
The last major restoration of the Tijou Gates took place in 1997, involving dismantling, repair, and re-gilding. However, over time, corrosion beneath the surface led to gilding deterioration, requiring a more comprehensive conservation approach.
To address this, the gates were entrusted to Topp & Co, leading architectural metalworkers based in North Yorkshire. This six-month restoration project has benefitted from the firm’s extensive expertise in conserving 17th century ironwork, employing the latest advancements in materials and techniques to ensure the long-term protection of these historic gates.
A key principle of the restoration was to preserve the gates’ historical integrity while ensuring their structural soundness. The gates were carefully cleaned and taken back to bare metal, allowing the blacksmiths to establish a timeline of previous repairs. The assessment revealed a range of repair quality, with some elements requiring further attention to ensure durability.
Where possible, well-preserved earlier repairs were retained, acknowledging them as part of the gates’ rich history. Notably, some losses date back to the Second World War when a bomb exploded a few hundred metres from Burghley House, tearing the gates apart. These visible marks of history serve as a testament to the gates’ resilience over the centuries.
The ironwork at Burghley House is Grade I listed, requiring any restorations to be executed to the highest standard and in keeping with the craftsmanship of the original makers. Topp & Co’s precise approach has ensured that every aspect of the work aligns with these conservation principles.
More than 40 new copper leaves were crafted to closely match the originals, replacing missing or compromised elements. Using traditional materials and techniques, any deteriorated wrought iron components were replaced like-for-like, while much of the scrollwork at the base of the gates was reconstructed and fitted with new collars to align with the original design. These efforts not only restore the gates’ historic appearance but also ensures their long-term stability, reducing the need for further repairs in the future.
The Tijou Gates are not only a stunning example of Baroque craftsmanship but also an integral part of Burghley’s architectural heritage. Their restoration has been a meticulous process, ensuring that they can be admired for generations to come. We are thrilled to see them returned to their rightful place, gleaming once more as they did over 300 years ago.
