Check out Preserve RI’s Preservation Services Directory. You’ll find it a rich source of specialized professional help to keep a historic building and its grounds properly maintained and, if need be, restored. This month we are featuring the work of A.M. Design and Fabrication.
Over the years, the 1886 Belmont Chapel in Newport’s Island Cemetery fell into neglect (pictured above). Fortunately, the Belmont Chapel Foundation launched a major restoration campaign. Among the challenges included the reproduction of the gate and fence sections for the Farewell Street entrance. A.M. Design was selected for this specialized work.
Historic projects like this demand a balance between modern technology and respect for the original craftsmanship. A.M. Design beautifully demonstrates this balance in their work at the Belmont Chapel. They ensured lasting improvements for the fence by opting for modern materials such as stainless-steel square hardware and a 20+ year hot dip galvanizing and polyurethane finish. All the replacement pieces — picket points, curved fence bars and stainless-steel gate hardware — were traditionally hand-forged in their blacksmith shop. A.M. Design’s expert fabricators took care of the layout, punching, assembling, and welding. Before long, this 19th-Century Chapel and its grounds, lovingly restored as pictured below, will reopen to the public.
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