Saints & Angels
The presence of religious statuary in churches reminds us of the saints in their glory.
Paint surfaces and varnishes deteriorate with age and can obscure the original beauty and verve of the figures.
Novice attempts at repainting and repairs should be avoided as they can cause serious damage; occasionally this damage is permanent. Figures which have been disfigured are unfit for display, and may deter pious practices.
Saint Joan of Arc statue showing novice repair damage, and its restoration
for a School in France.
Saint King David - novice paintwork disfigures features; restored for Saint Walburge's shrine - the altar of Saint Joseph.
Saint Joseph - a Spanish carved wood statue with glass eye detail.
Areas of Novice paintwork present, airborne detritus, candlewax and
candle soot deposits to surface have obscured the original colours
and goldwork. Restored for St. Gerard Majella church Bristol.
Angels with dirty faces and broken wings: lamp-bearing angels (right) are compressed wood, requiring special treatments. Original colours of gowns found beneath stone effect paintworks. The gowns were embellished with decorative elements on request. St. Walburger's shrine Preston.