Condition
The sheep was structurally unsoundand had a very poor aesthetic which included:
- Major losses in the armature.
- Structure supported by only three legs, with oneleg completely detached from the sheep. The remaining three legs, althoughattached, had separated from the armature due to failed fixings.
- Significant cracking and corrosion of armature.
- An external metal wire wrapping had been addedover the entire sculpture to hold broken fragments together.
- Extensive corrosion of metal, with major pittingand delamination.
- Cement and brickwork cracked, with fragmentspowdery and disintegrating.
- Paint losses exposing thick layers of successivepaint applications including a gilded layer.
- Extensive biological growth on the sheepunderside.
Due to the extensive damage, a decision was made to replicate the sheep. During cleaning of the sheep to allow for replication, evidence of the sheep originally being gilded was uncovered.
Treatment
- Condition assessment.
- Reconstruction of damaged sheep to allow for casting.
- Fabrication of mould of the original sheep.
- Replica of the original sheep cast in fibreglass.
- The fibreglass replica was gilded with gold leaf.
- Lifting of the sheep into position on the roof.
- Installation and fixing of sheep onto the roof.
Before treatment
During treatment
After treatment
