Condition
As an outdoor monument exposed to the elements, various condition issues needed to be addressed. These included the patchy appearance of the winged figure due to oxidisation of the copper and other patination chemicals; loose or detached fixings on several of the plaques; and black staining and streaking in certain areas of the stonework.
Treatment
ICS was commissioned by the City of Sydney to undertake a condition assessment and conservation works, which included the following steps:
- Cleaning of the winged figure using controlled high-pressure water to remove all dust and detritus
- Careful removal of active corrosion
- Chemical patination to improve the appearance of previous repairs that had discoloured
- Applying of a protective wax to slow any corrosion and minimise further degradation
- Applying pigmented wax to fill castings flaws and previous repairs, and improve water resistance
- Cleaning and waxing of all plaques, addressing any loose or missing screw fixings and rawl plugs
- Buffing of the winged figure and plaques using stiff- bristled nylon brushes
- Cleaning of the stone-work with medium water pressure and additional hand scrubbing to reduce staining
- Repointing of the open joint with a polyurethane sealant
Before treatment
After treatment
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