Base of the arch

The four pieces of stone put in place around the pillar. Liquid cement was then injected between the stone and the concrete column to firmly affix the stone base to the columns and support it at the base.

The next step is to install stone curbs around the base of the pillar. Shown to the immediate left is the pedestal for the stone lions.

The construction project is nearing completion for the Chinese artisans. They leave in a few days for their next project, an arch in Wellington NZ.

Decorative arts painters will soon arrive from China to start applying the 17 coats of paint, including gold leaf, to the Arch.