Retouching an angel

Video of Matteo re-touching:


During the service, the conservators continue to work quietly so not to disturb anyone. It must be said that it is lovely to listen to the hymns each day while working.

step by step conservation of angel

Finally the angel after completion

Re-touching almost there.

The losses and overpaint are filled to match the original texture and the fill is toned to make re-touching easier.

Half way - the left hand side has been very carefully stripped of overpaint. The right hand side has been completely lost. The choice was made to re-paint the face to closely match the original finish.

Before Treatment - The over painted angel

Interview with conservator about conservation of one angel.

Video: Matteo talks about the re-touching process.

Video: Matteo Volonte talks about removing overpaint and uncovering the original angel beneath.

Uncovering the date

Conservator Adam Godijn reveals the original date by removing the overpaint with solvents.

Overpainted Angel

Overpainted Angel

Considerable re-painting was found in the main dome. One of the angel's faces was worst effected and appeared very crude in comparison to the originals. It was thought that the original face had been completely lost. However after investigation we found that in areas it was possible to remove the overpaint and reveal, save the original painting.

Week 2: cleaning angels

Cleaning the dirt from an angels face after stabilising the paint layer. The white section of paint on the left is a paint loss which will later be inpainted.

This movie shows us the first stage of cleaning with a molecular sponge to remove any loosely bound surface dirt.

Week 2: in the main dome

In the main dome we are facing extensive flaking of the paint layer, a heavy layer of surface soot and dirt, and a heavily overpainted surface. Our aim is to stabilise the paint layer, then clean it with molecular sponges, then an aqueous clean before removing overpaint, filling losses and cracks. Finally the damaged sections will be inpainted.

This movie is a quick view of the worksite and consolidation in process