Project: Restoration

One of my favorite jobs over the years was the restoration of an old Italian plaster bas relief hanging. Purchased from a local antique dealer, one of the two sculptures was used outdoors and subjected to the elements. The original color was totally bleached to white, rain had pitted the old plaster, and black mold had started a colony. They were both magnificent pieces, the abused one--well worth the effort. Each piece was approximately 4' square; the figures and protruding elements of the plaques were at least 9 inches in depth. Based on a musical theme, they depicted Italian youth, cherub-like, and their musical instruments in great detail.

Old plaster, being a very porous material, could not be primed or painted with opaque paints, it required cautious experimentation with colored glazes to retain the look of the original work. (Looking back, I regret that I didn't ask permission to create rubber molds of several sections for recasting.) They are truly stunning creations. The client was so pleased with the restoration, she asked the dealer to locate a third plaque which I restored on site in her home where the other two were displayed. It was truly a joy to have these pieces in my studio and have the chance to restore them to their former glory.