Sample section for South Reformed Dutch Church, New York

Samuel Yellin’s inventive and virtuosic ironwork transformed America’s built environment. The preeminent ironworker of his—or arguably any—era, Yellin worked in a range of styles, achieving poetic flights of fancy. Inspired by historical ironwork, Yellin brought a fresh, modern eye to medieval designs and revitalized historical techniques. This pierced and wrought iron sample section sketches out Yellin’s design for the gates of South Reformed Dutch Church (now Park Avenue Christian Church), located at the corner of Park Avenue and 85th Street in New York City. According to the Church’s architects, Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, the church draws inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and Goodhue described its gate as "the best wrought iron gate in America." Yellin’s firm, then named "Industrial Ornamental Iron Co.," created lock plates, ring handles, and strap hardware, as well as the commanding gate for South Church, which enjoyed much critical acclaim. This panel, the earliest example of Yellin’s work in the Museum’s collection, offers insights into Yellin’s creative process, revealing how he worked out and presented his design to his clients.