Morning Glory Gazebo

Possibily Janes, Kirtland & Co., New York
Cast iron
Ca. 1860

These two gazebos, situated on the grounds of the Belmont estate are believed to have been added between 1860 and 1864. The gazebos are not included in the 1858 map of the grounds, or the 1860 landscape painting of Belmont. However, they are seen in 1864 photographs of the grounds and a drawing of the grounds from the same year.

Originally, both gazebos featured an eagle finial that matches plate 176 from the 1870 Janes, Kirtland & Company catalogue [1]. The finial was listed as an alternative decorative piece for the Janes, Kirtland, & Co. gazebos. This may point to Janes, Kirtland, & Co. as the original maker of the two gazebos. This particular ironwork pattern, however, has not been found in any known pattern book. It is possible that the pattern does not appear in the 1870 Janes, Kirtland, & Co. catalogue because the design was discontinued due to the difficulty to cast.

The naturalist motifs suggest a vine-covered arbor reminiscent of where one might take shade while walking in the gardens. This thin, delicate pattern pushed the technology of casting to its limits. Because of the fragility of the pieces, it is believed that these are the only two gazebos in this pattern remaining in the United States. [2]

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[1] Ornamental Ironwork: Janes, Kirtland &Co. American Historical Catalog Collection. Princeton: The Pyne Press, 1971.
[2] Interview with Robinson Iron Works owner.