Situated on the west front of the House, the Tijou Gates were designed by renowned French master blacksmith Jean Tijou (fl. 1689–1712) and have stood as an iconic architectural feature for over three centuries.

However, since their last restoration in 1997, time and exposure to the elements had taken their toll, necessitating specialist restoration work to ensure their preservation for the future.

We were obviously delighted and excited when Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd appointed us to undertake the sympathetic conservation and restoration of these gates. It meant we were going to see at first hand the work of Jean Tijou. Not a great deal is known about this master craftsman but his work lives on through these truly exceptional gates alongside other work such as the screens at Hampton Court Palace.

The first task was getting them off the building and into our workshop which as you can imagine is a delicate process that is easier said than done. All the surrounding York stone and grassed surfaces had to be protected from wear and tear. All disassembled components were fully protected from damage during transportation. All loose items were wired /tied into position prior to dismantling. Each part was tagged and numbered on site before removal.

This six-month restoration project utilised all our expertise and craftsmanship in conserving historic ironwork. 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 ensure their long-term stability, reducing the need for further repairs in the future.