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Albert Memorial - London

Conservation of Marble

The Parnassus frieze at the bottom of the Albert Memorial depicts 196 figures of architects, sculptors, writers and painters. This stunning composition is constructed from Campanella marble and has suffered over the years from degradation of various forms. Many of the smaller elements, such as fingers, had decayed or been broken off; most of the surface was very dirty and certain areas had very significant black deposits. Perhaps worst of all, the run off from the bronze figures above had caused large areas of green staining to the marble.

Following extensive trials, a scheme was devised for the removal of both the green and black staining. This involved the use of various combinations of ammonium chloride, ammonium carbonate and ammonia in a variety of poultice materials such as sepiolite, paper pulp and fullers earth. Given the complexity of the carving, each surface was different and so it was only through the intuition and skill of the conservators that the stains, which had penetrated up to 50mm deep, were removed from the marble.

Following cleaning, the marble was repaired and pointed. Some two hundred elements of marble were recarved in the same marble as the original. Since early photographs were not that clear, it was not always possible to ensure a completely faithful copy and so the skill of the carver was needed to interpret the evidence and to emulate the style.

The eight groups of sculpture, the Industries and the Continents were also cleaned and restored using the same methods as described above. The whole contract was carried out within time and budget.

Architect: Duncan Wilson, Inskip and Jenkins
Client: English Heritage