Clare Yellin gives the wrought-iron gates in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room their first scrubbing in 63 years.

By Sharon S. Blake

When the decision was made last year to clean the large wrought-iron gates in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, University officials first contacted local firms, only to be told they didn’t do that type of work. So the officials turned to Clare Yellin, granddaughter of master artist-blacksmith Samuel Yellin, who created the gates at his West Philadelphia forge in the mid-1930s. They were installed in 1940.

Today, the 18-foot ornamental Commons Room gates stand as a testament to Yellin, considered by many to have been the greatest worker in wrought iron since the Renaissance. He was known for incorporating artistic expression with functionality, working small metal birds, lizards, and lions into the twisted scrolls and finials.

“We were pleasantly surprised when Ms. Yellin showed a personal interest in this project and offered to come to Pittsburgh immediately,” said Ana Guzman, associate vice chancellor for facilities management at Pitt. MORE >>