The Project

The Hellenic Community of WA’s Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helene in Perth contains a number of significant wall paintings. Unfortunately, these paintings have suffered damage and deterioration due to water penetration through the roof and walls of the building, and subsequent moisture retention in the building walls.
The building was designed by architects Oldham, Boas & Ednie-Brown, and constructed in 1935-37 in the InterWar Byzantine style. It is listed on the WA State Register of Heritage Places.

The Panagia (half dome) and Pantocrator (main dome) paintings are painted onto fibrous plaster board fixed to a timber sub-frame. The central element of the Pantocrator is an oil painting on canvas, as are a number of other important wall paintings through the Cathedral.

Following correction of the problems with water penetration, the Hellenic Community of WA have obtained funds to conserve the wall paintings. During February and March 2009, International Conservation Services will be undertaking a programme of conservation works including cleaning and stabilisation of all areas, repair of physical damage to the paintings on canvas, and inpainting of areas of paint loss.

Julian Bickersteth
Managing Director
International Conservation Services