Reflecting Pool RESTORATION

The historic Ca’ d’Zan swimming pool was created and enjoyed by John and Mable Ringling in the early 1920s. It was constructed using sumptuous white marble, with luminous sky blue tiles lining the bottom. Multi-colored, glazed terra cotta tiles decorated the perimeter deck and the raised diving platform. A marble Venus de’ Medici sculpture and urns adorned the north garden wall of the pool deck. Sometime later, the pool was retired from use, filled with earth, and left to languish— slowly transforming into a small ruin.

In 2017, a comprehensive investigation into the structure and condition of the pool was undertaken by Conservation Solutions, Inc., with a view toward restoring it. A major restoration project was carried out in the summer of 2018 by International Fine Art Conservation Services. This effort included removal of the infill and some marble elements, followed by examination and documentation of the original marble pool structure. Cleaning and stabilization of the original materials were carried out prior to refilling of the marble pool with earth and pouring of a new concrete bed that would provide a shallow reflecting pool. The partially-sunken foundation of the pool deck was raised and stabilized. The original masonry and tiles were consolidated, cleaned, and inpainted to restore their original appearance. The original blue ceramic tiles—left undisturbed on the floor of the pool—were replicated for application to the bottom of the new reflecting pool. New marble facings were installed along the edges. Venus and the urns were cleaned and placed back in their original locations. The restored pool, funded by The Bolger Foundation, was dedicated to the service of Ron McCarty, Keeper of Ca’ d’Zan, on August 23, 2018.

Walking toward Ca’ d’Zan today, one’s breath is taken away by the beauty of the reflecting pool in front of the mansion, as we are granted an even closer glimpse into the world inhabited by the Ringlings and their guests.