Marble Bust of Alexander

Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ

The marble bust of Alexander was displayed on a pedestal in a outdoor area at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey. The oldest elements of the bust are likely Roman in origin with other elements surmised to be the products of Renaissance or Baroque-era restorations. The bust was severely deteriorated, which posed risks to both the sculpture and the public.

We were contracted to perform an on-site assessment of the sculpture in June of 2015. Conservators determined the bust a safety hazard and the immediate area around the bust was cordoned from public access. Conservators returned in July of 2015 and removed the bust from its location for an in-depth assessment and development of treatment recommendations at our studio in Forestville, Maryland.

The bust was thoroughly assessed and found to be in poor condition, exhibiting extensive deterioration, ferric staining, losses, fractures, cracks, biological soiling, and previous failing repair campaigns. We provided a detailed assessment report as well as treatment recommendations.