Work starts on the restoration of Elizabeth Gate (formerly called the Main Gate) at Kew Gardens

Unveiled in April 1846, Kew’s Elizabeth Gate has stood since Victorian times and is now undergoing full restoration.

20 Jul 2012

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The gates and overthrow are removed, prior to restoration

Photo: The overthrow of Main Gate cleaned

The overthrow of the Main Gate cleaned and ready for repair

Restoration costing over £250,000 has started on the Elizabeth Gate at Kew Gardens, to restore them to their Victorian splendour. Time has taken its toll on the iron work, not only on the ornate gates and decoration, but also on the curved railings stretching the width of Kew Green.

The Elizabeth Gate, proudly highlighting Kew’s royal connections, was designed to welcome the increasing number of public visitors, including those coming to Richmond from the newly opened London and South Western Railway.

Photo: Repairs taking place on one of the griffins

Repairs taking place on one of the griffins, from an array of plant and animal designs found on the gate

Unveiled in April 1846, Kew’s Elizabeth Gate was installed as part of Decimus Burton’s grand garden plan. The gates lead onto the Broadwalk and guide visitors towards his Palm House, which at the time was half way through its four-year construction.

The first stage was the commissioning of a detailed Conservation Report from a specialist conservator, which detailed all the necessary restoration and the skilled repair work needed.

The first pair of gates have now been restored were put back in place in early July, with the outer gates now undergoing restoration.

Photo: One of the double headed griffins

One of the double-headed griffins, newly restored

These gates will be back in place by October 2012 and then work will start on the stonework and railings.

Kew would like to thank Abdul and Mehbooba Qayyum, Heritage of London Trust, The Ironmongers' Company and the many donors to the Kew Fund for helping to fund this work.

Make a donation to the Kew Fund and help us continue keeping the Gardens looking amazing.

Restoration work needed includes:

Clean/rust removal/zinc phosphate (corrosion resistant coating)/repaint
Refurbishment or replacement of missing wrought iron scroll work
Refurbishment of other non-scroll work
Replacement or repair of cast iron elements
Lock/hinge/bracket replacement
Gilt work repair

Work will include the replacement or repair of cast iron elements

History of the Elizabeth Gate

The Jacobean style gates are made from elaborate wrought, cast and stamped iron, made by renowned ironfounder John Walker of Dixon’s Yard in York. The firm was later appointed 'ironfounders and purveyors of smithy work to the Queen', supplying Sandringham and later the British Museum.

Railings and gates were also exported far and wide, including to The Botanical Gardens in Mauritius. An array of plant and animal designs are focussed around the central golden Royal coat of arms. The face of the ‘green man’, a popular motif during the Gothic Revival, is decorated above and below with scrolled leaves, which lead down to a double headed griffin.

At the bottom of each gate cast iron fleur de lys form a repeated pattern. Above the two central gates is the decorative wrought iron overthrow, incorporating Royal symbols, 'V' for Queen Victoria and a gilded crown at its height. Two peacocks, complete with nests, sit either side of this central design.

Help Kew by making a donation to the Kew Fund

Although Kew receives around half of our income from the government, every year we need to raise as much again from other sources. That’s why we have launched the Kew Fund, so you can help support Kew and its vital work. You can support a specific area of our work or make a gift to support all the work Kew undertakes.

Donate now | Set Up a Direct Debit | Download a donation form (pdf)