Balancing artist’s intent and durability: conserving a corroded outdoor painted iron sculpture

Maria Giannoulaki; Maria Petrou

doi:10.14568/cp43014

Authors

Maria Giannoulaki University of West Attica, Dept. of Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art, Ag. Spyridonos, Aigaleo, 12 210, Greece https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6187-5286
Maria Petrou University of West Attica, Dept. of Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art, Ag. Spyridonos, Aigaleo, 12 210, Greece https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5434-4621

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp43014

Keywords:

Outdoor sculpture conservation, Painted metal, Repainting, Polyurethane paint system, Artist's intent, Minimal intervention

Abstract

Conserving outdoor painted sculptures (OPSs) is challenging due to their constant exposure to uncontrolled environments. This paper outlines the methodology employed to conserve the Tree, a large-scale monochrome iron sculpture by George Lappas which has been situated in a coastal environment for decades. The artwork had suffered extensive metal corrosion and paint deterioration. Following an ethical evaluation of the artist's intentions versus the need for long-term stability, it was deemed necessary to repaint the sculpture completely. A comprehensive diagnostic approach was taken, including XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, colourimetry and gloss measurement, as well as investigative cleaning. The study addresses the challenges of removing multiple paint layers and addressing various corrosion issues. The final conservation treatment involved using epoxy resin to fill in losses and a durable polyurethane paint system. Combining traditional and modern techniques restored the sculpture’s original aesthetic qualities, while maximising its resistance to aggressive environmental conditions.

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