Medieval Stonework Conservation
As part of the creation of a new building for the Princeton University Art Museum, EverGreene was contracted to carry out the removal, condition assessment, conservation treatment, and reinstallation of two major stoneworks in the Medieval Gallery: the Spanish Stairway with its balustrade and columns, and the Vaucluse Window.
The Spanish Stairway, dating to 1549, comprises elements originating from two separate houses in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The Vaucluse Window, from the 15th century, hails from the Vaucluse region of France. Both pieces were part of a larger collection gifted to the museum by Baroness Cassel van Doorn in 1955.
To safeguard the works during adjacent demolition and construction, it was determined that they should be removed and placed in protective storage. Following thorough inspection and photographic documentation of each object’s condition, EverGreene, in collaboration with subcontractor Standard Restoration, carefully disassembled the works and secured each element in custom-built crates using gantries, slings, and a lift system. During removal, previously undocumented damage and past repairs were revealed. Each crate was outfitted with environmental monitoring devices to ensure stable conditions throughout the storage period.
While in storage, EverGreene conservators meticulously cleaned each component using a combination of dry, steam, chemical, and mechanical methods to remove post-historic soiling and surface coatings. Discolored areas were inpainted with reversible, conservation-grade materials to visually integrate with adjacent surfaces. Structural stabilization was performed where necessary, and missing elements were replicated based on historic documentation.
As part of the reinstallation process, EverGreene also contributed to the design and development of engineered supports for both objects. These supports serve to both secure the stone in its new location and reinforce vulnerable areas. With the assistance of Standard Restoration, EverGreene carefully reinstalled the works, completing the process with precise mortar infill at all joins.
