Conservation of polychrome sculptures

Polychrome literally means multi-coloured, and derives from the Greek words 'poly' (many) and 'chromos' (colour). The polychromy of wooden sculptures relies on much the same techniques as panel paintings, therefore their conservation issues are often very similar to problems encountered with panel paintings. Over centuries many wooden polychrome sculptures fell victim to unprofessional treatments such as primitive repairs, alterations, over-painting, over-gilding  or were simply stripped of their decoration to reveal the bare wood. Polychrome sculptures, in addition to paint,  very often contain gilding. Such complex, multilayered surfaces are extremely delicate and sensitive to many of the cleaning agents, therefore prior to any conservation treatment a comprehensive technical examination of wooden material, paint and gilded surfaces is necessary. 

My expertise in polychrome sculpture conservation includes:

  • Consolidation of the flaking gesso and gilding
  • Structural reinforcement
  • Surface cleaning and removal of later renovations 
  • Replicating missing sections 
  • Gilding, toning techniques and in-painting 

Immaculate Conception of Mary. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. Close-up of the face during surface chemical cleaning test.Immaculate Conception of Mary. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State before conservation.Immaculate Conception of Mary. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State after conservation.Waterford Coat of Arms. Limestone plaque carved in low relief. 1593. Ireland. State before restoration.Waterford Coat of Arms. Limestone plaque carved in low relief. 1593. Ireland. State after restoration.Henry VII's coat of arms. Limestone plaque carved in low relief. XIV century. Ireland. State before restoration.Henry VII's coat of arms. Limestone plaque carved in low relief. XIV century. Ireland. State after restoration.Side altar dedicated to Baptism of Jesus. 1685-1734. Poland. Style: Mannerism – Baroque. Altar before conservation.Side altar dedicated to Baptism of Jesus. 1685-1734. Poland. Style: Mannerism – Baroque. Altar after conservation.Philip the Apostle. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State before conservation.Philip the Apostle. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State after conservation.Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. Close-up of the face after conservation.Simon the Zealot. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State before conservation.Simon the Zealot. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. State after conservation.Simon the Zealot. Wooden polychrome sculpture. XVIII century. Poland. Close-up of the face after conservation.Gothic, stone baptismal font with a Baroque, wooden cover. XIV century and 1720. Poland. State before conservation.Gothic, stone baptismal font with a Baroque, wooden cover. XIV century and 1720. Poland. State after conservation.Baroque, wooden baptismal font cover. 1720. Poland. State after conservation.
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