Medieval Gallery - Stone Objects
As a part of the creation of a new building for the Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM), EverGreene was contracted with the removal, conditions assessment, reinstallation, and treatment of two stone works in the Medieval Gallery: The Spanish Stairway, Balustrade, and Columns, as well as the Vaucluse Window. The Spanish Stairs date to 1549, with the stairs and balustrade originating from two different houses in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The Vaucluse window dates to the 15th century from the from the Vaucluse region of France. Both objects were part of a larger collection gifted to the museum by Baroness Cassel van Door in 1955.
To best protect the works during construction it was decided they be removed and stored. EverGreene thoroughly documented the pieces and, with the help of subcontractor Standard Restoration and Waterproofing, removed each piece to a specialized crate using a combination of gantries, slings, and a lift. Documentation included both photography and a cursory conditions assessment, as the removal process revealed previous repairs and unknown damage. Stored crates were equipped with monitoring devices, which ensured that the environmental conditions surrounding the stone remained stable.
While in storage each piece was meticulously cleaned using a combination of dry, steam, chemical, and mechanical methods to remove post-historic layers of soiling and surface treatments. Areas with discoloration were inpainted using reversible conservation grade materials to match the appearance of adjacent material. Stabilization treatments were also performed as necessary, and areas of loss were replicated.
As a part of the reinstallation EverGreene assisted with the development of engineered supports for both objects. Supports were used to both hold the stone in place on site, as well as reinforce delicate pieces. With the help of Standard, EverGreene delicately reinstalled each piece and infilled all mortar joints.
