Exteriors of Alexander Palace

When I see these poor women toiling over the recreation of the balustrade, I could weep.   At least one third of these balusters have collapsed.    Not, of course, due to war or enemy incursion - rather sheer neglect.   The decay and destruction of the Alexander Palace is nothing less than a case of state vandalism.   The one million dollars, generously donated by a Russian oligarch, will barely cover the costs of the restoration of the balustrade.

The fireplace in pastpalacelife's last photograph is in the Mountain Hall.   It exists minus the embellishments.

tsaria   

Hi Tsaria and friends...I  suspect the blaustrade was made of wood (actually a wood center piece that was covered with plaster).  This is a big mistake.  The shaped pieces should be made of a more durable material.

I would suggest they should be  made of cast resin (plastic product) or stone.  Even a type of cast waterproof  concrete would be better.   This is a decoration that should be made to last more than 100 years.

Trying to repairs things on the cheap costs you more in the long term.

Douglas

Pastpalacelife...thank you so much for posting the restoration photos.  They are wonderful and exactly the ones I had most wanted to see.  Keep them coming, please!

Arleen

The Palace on the side not lived in by Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna is in a terrible state. It really needs urgent attention. Thankfully the winter of 2006/2007 was not a harsh one by Russian standards. I was there in January and very few tourists were in the Alexander Palace. I think it is left off the official tours list sadly like Gatchina. I hope something can be done to repair the exterior of the Palace urgently.