Content
Almost six decades of constant exposure to the elements have strongly impacted the monument both on the front and the back sides.
In 2003 a more in-depth examination revealed a clearly precarious state of conservation. Damages from corrosion due to wind, weather and the impact of pollutants are numerous, and in parts, severe. On the front side this is apparent from the intense green coloring of the most exposed upper elements: The original patina has almost entirely disappeared.
On the flat, protruding elements hard, grayish sintered deposits have etched their way into the surface.
In addition there are rust streaks stemming from the iron reinforcements as well as numerous graffiti tags.
As far as the back is concerned, its state is just as frightening: through the use of micro video cameras it was possible to determine that all the iron parts like the structural reinforcements on the back as well as the screw connections of the individual poured figures are nearly entirely corroded. Therefore the structural safety of the Gate no longer was warranted mandating an intervention for the sake of security and conservation.
The restoration project costs approximately a quarter million Swiss francs. Thanks to the generous support of the BNP Paribas Foundation and the Steiner Group this important project can be realized.
Auguste Rodin
Occasion for the Restoration
Restoration Concept
Stage 1
The placement of the support construction
The mounting of the support construction
Securing the support construction to the Gate
Drilling of the base
Cutting of the base and lifting
Movement of the structure by means of chain hoists
View of the back of the monument
Stage 2
Cleaning and conservation of the front of the Gate
Initial tests
Methodologies for the exposure of the metal
Stabilization with Incralac®
Touch-ups
Protective layer
The «Battista» Example
Stage 3
Measures undertaken on the back side
The support structure
The substitution of the lower support structure and frame
Transportation
The building of the transportation frame
Moving The Gates of Hell on to a low bed trailer
