Conservation of the Stanford White Triple Portal has taken a major step forward with the dismantling of two Cipollino Marble Columns, #17 and #19.  The purpose is to enable Cultural Heritage Conservation, LLC, the Conservancy's Lead Conservator, to fully investigate conservation treatments in order to determine the best approach in conserving the columns. 

A Momentous Step Forward for the Stanford White Triple Portal

In April 2026, Cipollino Marble Columns #17 and #19 were dismantled from their 108-year-old position on the landing of St. Bart’s West Facade and carefully transported to the North Chapel, now the temporary Conservation Lab. This is indeed a pivotal and exciting time. Cultural Heritage Conservation has begun fully investigating conservation treatments to determine the best approach in conserving the columns. Columns 17 and 19 were selected to be the first of the 24 columns because they represent an optimal balance in terms of deterioration—not good in terms of their condition, but not the worst. This will set the tone for the conservation techniques that will be considered and refined, to then be used on the other 22 columns.

Wrapping column #17 in foam padding

Installing wooden slats around column #17

Protection of column #17 completed

Column removal

Transporting column #19

Once the columns were taken down by The Grenadier Corporation, they were carefully transported into the St. Bart's North Chapel, Conservation Lab.

A column is transported through the church

Column #17 is set up in the lab

Column #19 joining #17 in the lab

Please view our film, A Masterpiece Hiding in Plain Sight, The Stanford White Triple Portal

St. Bartholomew's Conservancy is funding this project to preserve the Stanford White Triple Portal and is supported, in part, by a Save America's Treasures grant, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

Photos and Videos: Gil Gilbert Productions