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Old stone repair?

Stone Conversations : Archive 6 : Message 00647

From: John Twilley <jtwilley@zzzzzzzzzzz>
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 13:51:26 -0400
Subject: Old stone repair?


Karen Bereza wrote:

Quoted text begins.I am no expert, but know many who would say that this should have been
replaced by a new column, honouring the way the original mason had done the
work. Certainly not the cheapest method but great if you can manage it!!
End of quote.


This probably depends on the quality of the carving, the present function of
the column and whether it is part of some larger structure or monument. We all
make distinctions between things that are functional and things that have
historic or artistic value. If the column is merely functional it probably
would not have been saved for the centuries that were cited. We don't
generally throw away paintings, sculptures or rare items to replace them by
copies. If that were the case, coin collectors would replace their worn
originals with shiny new copies.

Somewhere along the line we acquired the sense that each mason and the
particular tools of his day left a characteristic surface that is unique, even
after the work has suffered some effects of deterioration and acquired some
history. The profession of the conservator arose, individuals whose expertise
lies in stabilizing, repairing and cleaning historic works without imposing
their own handiwork on them.

Your suggestion is a novel one. I've never met an artisan or an artist who
felt honored by having their their work discarded in favor of a replacement
made by someone else. Have you?

John Twilley

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