MIXED-MEDIA SCULPTURE

This restoration was carried out as part of my work with the CollectieCentrum Nederland, in Amersfoort.

I D E N T I F I C A T I O N

The sculpture is made of fiber-reinforced polyester supported by a inner steel cross (main body), all placed on a base made out of particle board covered with concrete.

O B J E C T I V E

The artwork shows different degradations according to the materials concerned. The aim is to reinforce the damaged parts, fill in the missing parts and get closer to the original aesthetics of the work.

I N T E R V E N T I O N

After a general surface cleaning, the loose flakes were reinforced using Plextol B500 applied with a hot spatula. Cracks and missing part on the main body (fiber-reinforced polyester part) were filled using BEVA applied again with a hot spatula. To prevent damage, thick pieces of melinex were systematically placed between the spatula and the surface of the work. These areas were then retouched to match the general aesthetic of the artwork.

Concerning the base, two angles were broken, presenting cracks and deformation. After successfully shaping the angle back (the wood had swolen), a filling was created, copying the texture of the concrete around. Acrylic paint was used to touch up the two corners to make the restoration invisible to the naked eye.

E X H I B I T I O N

After the treatment was completed, the artwork was showed again, after 40 years in the storage, in a temporary exhibition: "VRIJHEID, GELIJKHEID en EIGENHEID" in the Koppelkerk in Bredevoort. It is the most beautiful gift offered after a restoration... A second life and visibility to the public.