Working from the dismantled original
copper components, Heather & Little
replicated all of the major copper stampings for the new dome cladding, supplying
a local roofing sheet metal contractor with the new formed copper pieces for re-installation.
The project required the replication of approximately six hundred and
fifty, pressed copper components, many of the new pieces were hand formed. A national
landmark, and one of the U.S. Capital's most significant buildings, the
Major Dome of the library, was part of an extensive exterior restoration,
after serving the building for more than 100 years.
The most significant reproduction was the "Flame of Knowledge" finial, which
sits at the top of the dome. Standing, fifteen-feet in height, this finial
is comprised, of over two hundred and sixty parts of copper, riveted, and
soldered together.
The project took approximately eighteen months to complete, and was the
recipient of the National Roofing Contractors Association's, 2000 "Gold
Circle Award".
