Algernon and Septimus

A shining example of guardian angels emerging at the right time came just as a decision arose on how to handle the eagles that flank the house.  With research, I discovered letters discussing these very nondescript somewhat “turkey-like” eagles in front of the house, on the two wings.  Through letters and correspondence, I uncovered the friendly but pointed back and forth on such a seemingly small detail.

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Bottomley had argued for two large classically designed urns for the two spaces.  The McKelden-Smiths had a pair of black painted eagles and brought them from their old house. Bottomley ultimately acquiesced, but said “the other alternative would be to gild them, and they would be lovely”.

I found that they were “Franklin Eagles” which accounted for their somewhat turkey-like features.  The very capable Michael Kramer, who had just come from restoring the gilding on the Lincoln Memorial became available, we immediately started work restoring the gilding using original period techniques, and 23 karat gold leaf.  Now years later, these two handsome eagles welcome you to the house and garden, and have been named Algernon and Septimus.