Fresco Restoration Week Three Update

By: Deborah Odette

As of today, Tuesday, the surface cleaning of the fresco is complete! Members of the restoration team report that the cleaning work proceeded very smoothly. In a few places, squares of uncleaned surface have been left to demonstrate the dramatic change in color.

In addition, surface plaster losses have been infilled. Areas of white new plaster show where this has been done. The plaster losses are most prominent on the south side. Next, they will be in-painted, and once that happens, the losses will no longer be detectable.

While the scaffolding was in place, it was decided to treat the wooden reredos behind the high altar as well as the stone tracery of the stained glass windows. Both the wood and stone, of course, were covered with the same dust and soot that covered the fresco. The first picture illustrates how the wood was originally painted, and how the cleaning has revealed the colors. The fully cleaned wood will be covered with a coating of wax, which will protect it and highlight the beautiful but subtle hues of the paint.

Also this week, the restorers will finish inpainting areas of loss on the fresco and repaint losses to the gilding. The second photo shows some of these areas of loss. No losses will remain once the project is finished.

The restorers tell me they have really enjoyed working on our project and are excited for us to see the finished results.

We are very happy with the progress and quality of the restoration work.

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