Long-lost gilding on the front gates of Rosecliff is once again glittering in the sun. As part of the recently completed $7.4 million restoration of the house, the gates were sandblasted, which revealed molded copper decorations beneath the black paint. These copper elements originally had been gilded. Once the sandblasting was done, the copper was covered with 23.5-karat gold leaf applied by EverGreene Architectural Arts. The gold now shines brightly enough to be seen from Bellevue Avenue. We may never know why or exactly when the decorative elements were painted black, but we love the way they look now. Come visit and see for yourself! Rosecliff is open daily, with the added attraction of the exhibition “The Celestial City: Newport and China" included with price of admission. evergreene_arch_arts #historichomes #historicpreservation #historicrestoration #newportmansions #thegildedage