The first of the beautiful copper arch bows is complete!

When we were discussing the “clouds”, the ornamental details on the sides of the upper bow a few posts ago, we mentioned we were not planning to install them until the parts arrived to the cathedral site.  We changed our minds.  It took a day or so of renegotiating the shipping crate design whereas it would have taken many times that amount of time and effort for on-site assembly.  The entire ornamental piece will be safely contained in its new, custom crate.

Please check out our detail project pictures below!  It’s a pretty thing, isn’t it?

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The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has gathered many talented artists and designers working to restore this magnificent piece of historical architecture.  Our job at Copper Exclusive is to create the ornate copper work on the cathedral’s crowning glory, the unbelievably beautiful steeple tower.

The copper windows and steeple extension will done by two other companies.

The picture here to the left is the architect’s rendering of the archway; the base of the cathedral tower.  This region will be clad entirely of copper.  The base frame is made of a special fiberglass using fine boat technology.  Since the entire 55 tons or so of cathedral topper could be subject to hurricanes and earthquakes, it is essential the tower weighs as little as possible and is engineered to handle these challenges.  For more information on the fiberglass frame and the engineering behind this part of the structure, see the related Hightower and Glenn Keyes Architects entries under “Restoration Specialists”.

From the archway, the copper tower rises, glistening and ethereal, and is finally adorned with an ornate, gilded cruciform.  The base of the cross was built entirely of stainless steel.  We are cladding with copper, then applying gold to the entire finished cross.  In cooperation with the rest of the design/build team, we came up with a design that will fully embrace the gilding treatment. The details will be clearly visible even from the over 100 feet  from the ground below.

As mentioned earlier, the cross serves not only as a decorative feature, but as an integral part of the tower itself.  It will be hoisted in conjunction with the spire piece to the top of the cathedral, and will serve as a lightning rod as well.

Please follow us along as we demonstrate in word and media how we have gone about building each of these items.  It is our hope you enjoy this process as much as we have!