Restoring Centuries-Old Angels: Uncovering History at the Old North Church
In a thrilling discovery at the historic Old North Church in Boston, conservators are diligently working to unveil eight hidden angels that have been concealed beneath layers of paint for over a century. The angels, with their round childlike faces and wings, were painted around 1730 and were once a prominent feature of the church’s interior. However, in 1912, during a renovation, the angels were painted over with thick coats of white paint, obscuring their majestic presence.
Unveiling a Forgotten Past
With scaffolding reaching high into the church’s walls, murals conservator Gianfranco Pocobene is leading the restoration efforts to reveal these hidden treasures. Working tirelessly, Pocobene and his team have already uncovered eight of the 20 painted-over angels, much to the amazement of all involved. The restoration project has been a journey of discovery, as Pocobene expressed, “It’s really been quite a revelation to find these really interesting and historic works of art on the walls of the church that nobody has seen in our lifetime.”
Connecting with History
As the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride approaches, the Old North Church aims to shed light on its rich history, dating back to its founding in 1723. The church’s colorful interior, once adorned with vibrant angels, provided a stark contrast to the Puritan-dominated Boston of its time. Emily Spence, associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, emphasized the significance of restoring these angels to their former glory, stating, “The color scheme was an important part of the identity of the people who worshiped here as members of the congregation of a Church of England church.”
Preserving Heritage Through Art
The meticulous restoration process involved removing seven layers of paint from the angels without causing any damage. Corrine Long, a painting conservator working on the project, highlighted the challenges faced during the restoration, mentioning the delicate process of cleaning and retouching the angels to preserve their original beauty. For Pocobene and Long, the project not only uncovered hidden art but also restored a piece of history back to its rightful place.
In a touching moment, tourists Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California expressed their awe at the sight of the partially revealed angels, eagerly anticipating the full unveiling once the scaffolding comes down. As the Old North Church continues its journey of restoration, the angels stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic landmark in Boston.