Jefferson’s Terrace Railings to be Reconstructed

The Chinese-inspired railings around Monticello’s terraces date to ca. 1940. After almost 80 years the elaborate wooden panels have weathered to the point where repairs are no longer feasible. While the existing railings will be missed, the project is an exciting opportunity to accurately reconstruct an important Jefferson-era feature.

Monticello’s current North Terrace Chinese-inspired railings were built in ca. 1940.

Jefferson's very detailed plans for terrace railings in 1824. Image courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

After extensive research, it was determined that two different railings may have enclosed Monticello’s terraces during Jefferson’s lifetime. Historic documents suggest that the first railing Jefferson planned for the terraces used Chinese-inspired panels that may have been similar to the existing railing. However, we don’t know if this railing design was ever installed as it appears the terraces were without any protective railings by the 1820s.

What caused Jefferson to start planning for the second terrace railing? It may have been an accident in 1822 when he fell from the steps of the North Terrace and broke his wrist. Soon afterwards Jefferson developed very detailed designs for new railings. Amazingly, his extensive notes for the second railing survive--sketches, a list of lumber needed, and very specific construction details that even include the type of the nails! These records reveal that the new railing was completely different from the earlier Chinese-inspired design. Composed of vertical bars held in place by horizontal rails, the new design was drawn from traditional English pail or picket fences rather than exotic Chinese patterns published by architects such as William Chambers. 

We also can document that Jefferson installed at least one section of this railing on the South Terrace. Three depictions of Monticello made around 1825  include representations of the picket or paling railings on the South Terrace. 

An 1825 view of Monticello’s west elevation painted by Jane Braddick Peticolas.

After considerable  deliberation, it was determined that reconstructing Jefferson’s second terrace  railing design is the right choice. The detailed design notes from Jefferson’s own hand combined with the evidence found in the ca. 1825 paintings  presented by far the strongest case. While we believe that Jefferson only installed the railings on the South Terrace, it was also decided that the railings should be built to enclose both Terraces to ensure the safety of Monticello’s many visitors. 

Designs for the new terrace railings were developed by MCWB architects and closely reproduce Jefferson’s careful instructions.

Plans also call for the new railing to be painted the same green as Monticello’s newly reconstructed window blinds. The choice is based on the dark color of the railings  illustrated in all three period depictions. While it’s not possible to discern the exact color in the paintings, we do have a surviving fragment from a window blind that verifies Jefferson painted his exterior blinds green. Using the same green color on the railings allows us to use a documented Jefferson paint color instead of a conjectural hue. [fig. 5 – extreme crop of Vail showing railing]

Currently, the railings are scheduled to be replaced in early spring of 2016.  This is an exciting project—check back often for updates!

A sample panel of the new terrace railing!

The Mountaintop Project is made possible by a transformational contribution from David M. Rubenstein. Leading support was provided by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, along with generous gifts and grants from the Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation, the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Birdsall, Mr. and Mrs. B. Grady Durham, the Mars Family, the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Charlotte Moss and Barry Friedberg, the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, the Cabell Foundation, the Garden Club of Virginia, and additional individuals, organizations, and foundations.