Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which features of St. Paul’s Cathedral were made by Jean Tijou?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Christopher Wren
Sir Christopher Wren, detail of an oil painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1711; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
The French ironworker Jean Tijou contributed several significant decorative metalwork features to St. Paul’s Cathedral, working under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren.
His primary contributions include:
- The choir grillwork: The intricate iron screens located in the choir area.1
- The southwest tower balustrade: An iron balustrade located in the southwest tower.1
- The Geometrical Staircase balustrade: The decorative ironwork found on the famous Geometrical Staircase, which provides access to the cathedral's library and archives.1
While Tijou was known for his elaborate French style, his work at St. Paul’s is noted for being more restrained and dignified than his other commissions, such as those at Hampton Court palace, likely due to the influence of Wren.2