Sometimes doorways and passageways leading to doorways and passageways can feel… labyrinthine. Perhaps discouraging. Perhaps angst inducing. But sometimes a succession of gates is an invitation to wander. To wonder.
The near gate was designed, fabricated, and installed by Tom Duca. The distant gate, was designed, fabricated, and installed by John Deal (more recently rebuilt and reinstalled by Glen, Tony, Peter, and Supi). Two gates spanning Lake Shore Road, many years, and many creative carpenters.
This intimate glimpse of one of Rosslyn’s least intimate (and most public) perspectives integrates layers of landscape and hardscape design. The succession of gates adds cohesion while editing out less compelling elements (like sidewalk and road.) The succession of gates also contributes to a subtle shift from the more formal environs of the house to the more rustic environs of the waterfront and boathouse. (This is likewise the case as the transition is made to the environs of the barns.)
As often, we acknowledge Tom Duca for devising and executing this cohesively well integrated succession of gates. Visual poetry!
Tom was one of the first people we met when we moved to Essex in 2005, and he’s been an essential, insightful, and joyful part of our life ever since. And the two sunburst gates that welcome friends to our home are a testament to Tom’s creativity and craftsmanship. (Source: Tom Duca’s Sunburst Gates)
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From his first sketch, we fell in love with Tom Duca’s sunburst gates. Joyful and familiar, yet elegant and totally unique…
And little-by-little the vision metamorphosed into reality. Tom Duca’s gates transformed the street view of Rosslyn, echoing the familiar Essex sunburst motif while providing a dog-secure barrier between yard and traffic. (Source: Tom Duca’s Sunburst Gates)
And we acknowledge Nancie Battaglia for documenting this succession of gates with the eye and craft of a visual poet.
Thank you, Tom and Nancie.
What do you think?