STONE AND MINERALS

Tom Otterness, Creation Myth

Outdoor limestone can be host to mold and other organic growths, and can collect carbon and pollutants on its rough surface.

Tom Otterness, Creation Myth

Before cleaning

Tom Otterness, Creation Myth

After cleaning

Tom Otterness, Creation Myth

Before cleaning

Tom Otterness, Creation Myth

After cleaning

Ancient Venus (Valdivia, Chile)

Before treatment: this 4,500 year old tuff stone carving had been previously repaired with super glue.

Ancient Venus (Valdivia, Chile)

After treatment: the previous repairs were irreversible without risking damage to the fragile stone. So the glue was cleaned from the surface, and the break lines were filled and very conservatively colored.

Ancient Venus (Valdivia, Chile)

Back before treatment

Ancient Venus (Valdivia, Chile)

Back after treatment

Marble Bust of A Woman

Before treatment: missing large section of lace on hat

Marble Bust of A Woman

After treatment: missing piece molded, cast in resin, and attached to hat.

Marble Bust of A Woman

Detail of missing piece of marble lace

Marble Bust of A Woman

Detail after creation of missing piece

Mable Clock Case #1

Before treatment

Marble Clock Case #1

After treatment

Marble Clock Case #1

Detail before treatment

Marble Clock Case #1

Detail after treatment

Marble Clock Case #2

Before treatment

Marble Clock Case #2

After treatment

Outdoor Mary sculpture hand

Restoration in process: new hand sculpted in clay, molded, and cast in outdoor lime-based resin

Sandstone Buddha

Before treatment: broken at proper left leg

Sandstone Buddha

After treatment

19th century Marble Bust of Pan

Before and after cleaning

19th century Marble Bust of Pan

Before and after cleaning

Modern Japanese garden lantern cover

Before and after cleaning

Modern Japanese garden lantern cover

Before and after cleaning

Mica lampshade

Before and after treatment: dirty mica and flaking paint

WPA Federal Arts Project sculpture

Before and after cleaning: the cast stone sculpture had been outside for 80 years. Archival detergents and biocides were used to remove pollutants and organic growths.

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Before treatment: several cracks had opened in the stone.

Marble bust of a veiled lady

After treatment: the cracks were cleaned and sealed.

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Detail before treatment: crack at back shoulder

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Detail after treatment: crack at back shoulder

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Detail before treatment: top of head

Marble bust of a veiled lady

Detail after treatment: top of head

Jadeite urn lid

Jadeite urn lid

Detail, before treatment

Jadeite urn lid

After treatment: the missing pieces were left unfilled.

Marble fireplace mantel

Before cleaning

Marble fireplace mantel

During treatment: poulticing in process

Marble fireplace mantel

After cleaning

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

This tall, heavy carving was meant to come apart into five pieces. But a very large portion of the original stone was missing (including one of the foo dogs used as "feet"), and the client wanted a full restoration.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Silicone rubber molds were made of elements that were identical to the missing pieces.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

In process: the original material is all assembled, and the missing foot has been created for stability.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

In process: the missing pieces have been cast from resin, and attached to the urn.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

After treatment: all the new material has been colored to match the original malachite.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail before treatment: this stackable element was temporarily propped up on sticks to aid some of the previous treatment processes.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail during treatment: the missing pieces have been cast and attached.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail after treatment: the cast sections have been colored to match the stone.

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail before treatment

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail during treatment

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail after treatment

Stacked malachite altarpiece carving

Detail after treatment