Contact Us
Links
Lagniappe
A major focus of the preservation work was the triangular marble tablet set into the pediment. This piece, known as the tympanum, had been coated with layers of paint which obscured the symbolic carving of joined hands and chain links, as well as the lettering of family names. The preservation of the tympanum began with the removal of paint. The removal of finishes and stains from marble can be particularly challenging because most readily available cleaners and strippers contain chemicals which can damage the delicate structure of marble, often doing more harm than good. A paint stripper which was designed for use on marble was applied to a test area of paint and acted very effectively. The removal of several layers of paint revealed flakes of original gold leaf on the carved elements. The remaining paint and staining were carefully cleaned from the stone with an effort not to disturb the existing spots of gilding. Upon completion of the cleaning, gilding was restored to the carved elements. The cleaned stone and gilding on the Lotz-Reimherr-Brunies Family tomb is now a stand out among its many neighbors which continue to be obscurred by excess layers of paint.
