The Gates comprised 7503 'gates' made of vinyl which resembled soccer goals only a little taller and somewhat narrower. From these hung Orange (ok Saffron) sheets of fabric which waved back and forwards in the February winds.

When I first heard about the project, in common with many others, I thought 'oh this is going to be a mess what a way to ruin a lovely park'. But then having reflected on things a bit further I remembered that Central Park doesn't look that great in February anyway, so 'what the hell, how bad could it be?'

When I finally got down there to take a look on Saturday February 19th 2005, I was really quite moved. The Orange (sorry Saffron) did do a wonderful job of brightening a drab park and seeing all those banners waving back and forward in the wind certainly made me smile. So in the end I was glad they were allowed to do it and glad they chose to do it here, considering the authorities had made them wait since 1979! They certainly had some patience.

Two and a bit weeks later everything was gone. It was all recycled, so supposedly nothing remains. I guess that was also part of it's charm. Just enough art!

Sadly Jeanne-Claude (the female half of the couple) died at the end of last year of a brain aneurysm, in New York City and had her body 'recycled' for medical science. So no more.

I'm very glad I was able to enjoy at least one of their works. Here are my favorite pictures.