Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 54
As the obelisks stood in their exposed quadrantal position
within the recreated gardens of 2009 they had suffered
from the ravages of strong UV light and other elemental
damage causing some rot in the wood and making the
original paint fade and flake back to bare wood in places.
The Chroma Conservation team have attended to wood
replacement and repairs; extensive decorative preparation; base painting and the specialist faux porphyry paint
finish and varnish. This was achieved by hand mixing a
rich red underglaze which, when dry, had off white, red
and reddish black glazes applied by using the decorative
technique known as Spattering.
By using a short stick to strike the loaded paint brush
against we created the diffused speckled Porphyry effect.
Once these layers had dried, we applied a satin UV light
resistant varnish to provide a long lasting protective
sacrificial layer.
It was an enormously enjoyable project made even more
so by the input from head gardener Phillip Corrall, his
enthusiastic team and interesting engagement with
members of the visiting public.
The unique and rich history of this incredible monument
is completely captivating and well worth a visit.
‘Live here, good Queen, live here; you are amongst your
friends.
Their comfort
comes when you approach, and when you part it ends.'
Farewell to Elizabeth I at the end of her visit to Kenilworth
Castle in 1575, by George Gascoigne
Ryan-John Wilson, MFA
Chroma Conservation Ltd
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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