Metalsmiths from around the world contributed samples of their work to the Anniversary Gates. The rosettes, typically about the size of a doorknob, show an incredible range of personal statements about the individual artist's interests, national pastimes and sometimes whimsical design motifs. Most visitors to the Museum spend much time examining the Anniversary Gates and their fabulous assemblage of mounted rosettes.
Features and Dimensions
Height: 16 feet
Width: 15 feet, 6 inches
Weight: Two sections of 1,700 pounds each
Material: Forged steel and scrollwork frame finished in black with 23k gold leaf. Decorative rosettes are in a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Style: Renaissance, with repetition of a classic "S" scroll set in heavy framework, with each scroll terminating in two individualized rosettes. The rosettes are the metalsmiths' personal statements and take many forms, including fish, tableware, tools and musical instruments.
Chief Designer: Richard Quinnell, Ltd., Surrey, England
Dedication: Mothers Day, Sunday, May 14, 1989
Occasion: Observance of the 10th Anniversary of the National Ornamental Metal Museum's opening, which was Feb. 2, 1979.
Number of Metalsmiths Who Contributed Rosettes: Nearly 200
Number of Rosettes: 360
Number of Scrolls: 192
Number of Persons Who Have Passed Through Gates: 530,000
