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Trustees of Gramercy Park:
Gramercy Park Sundial restoration completed by
Gramercy Park historic preservation expert Gabriel Popian
The sundial was presented to Gramercy Park in May 24, 1958 by The National Arts Club, and its restoration was funded by them.
Sundial restoration: Summary by Gabriel Popian
The sundial was restored inside and out. The base was excavated and sundial removed safely on wooden blocks away from the site.
The structure pipe was re-welded, and
fresh cast concrete foundation was made with stainless steel dowels to anchor the sundial in the ground. Cracks were healed with epoxy resin and capped with color cement, green corrosion removed, and the entire surface refinished. Decorative elements were retouched and missing elements restored.
On the top surface, active corrosion was removed and elements highlighted. Original features were protected by a special lacquer that inhibits corrosion. The repaired sundial arm was re-anchored from the back section. The groove between the face and pedestal was injected with epoxy to avoid water infiltration, and prevent further internal damage.
The sundial was leveled and oriented to show correct time with a computer system. As the the sundial reads "I COUNT NONE BUT SUNNY HOURS" the hours on the sundial range from 5am until 7pm.
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