Content
Removal of the deposits, cleaning of the surface, color integration and conservation of the front side
Between April and August the two restorers Giacomo Pegurri and Rolf Fritschi performed the needed restoration works.
At first the figure group “The Three Shades” was removed and brought to the workshop for restoration purposes. The freshly restored figure group is now on view separately in the Kunsthaus.
The Gates of Hell was freed in various stages from superficial pollution, stubborn deposits and layers of corrosion. Touch-ups were applied in order to improve the general look of the Gate. A protective layer against corrosion and the effect of the elements was applied as a final conserving layer at the end of all other processes
Auguste Rodin
Occasion for the Restoration
Restoration Concept
Stage 1
The placement of the support construction
The mounting of the support construction
Securing the support construction to the Gate
Drilling of the base
Cutting of the base and lifting
Movement of the structure by means of chain hoists
View of the back of the monument
Stage 2
Cleaning and conservation of the front of the Gate
Initial tests
Methodologies for the exposure of the metal
Stabilization with Incralac®
Touch-ups
Protective layer
The «Battista» Example
Stage 3
Measures undertaken on the back side
The support structure
The substitution of the lower support structure and frame
Transportation
The building of the transportation frame
Moving The Gates of Hell on to a low bed trailer
