The Preservation Society of Newport County is putting the final touches on an extensive restoration of The Breakers’ iconic main gates, with key components being reinstalled this week.
On Wednesday, the two main gates—each weighing a staggering 5,600 pounds—were carefully lifted back into place using a crane. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, two ornate wrought-iron crown pieces that top the gates were also reinstalled, marking another milestone in the restoration process.
The gates, along with two side pedestrian gates and the elaborate scrolled crowns, were taken down in January for refurbishment. The components were sent to Stratford Steel in Connecticut, where they underwent a meticulous restoration. The team at Stratford Steel sandblasted the gates down to bare metal, replaced severely deteriorated sections, and treated the pieces with zinc thermal spray coating to ensure durability. To protect the restored gates from the harsh New England elements, a marine-grade coating system was applied, featuring epoxy primer and black urethane top coatings for added weatherproofing.
This restoration effort is part of ongoing preservation work at The Breakers, one of Newport’s most beloved historic landmarks. The mansion, built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 19th century, is a prime example of Gilded Age opulence and architectural grandeur.
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