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Grotto After

Grotto Before

The Felician Sisters, a centuries-old Christian community with origins in Poland, contacted Marion Restoration to preserve and restore their grotto and statuary at their Chicago location.
All of the pre-cast concrete statues were covered in multiple cementitious layers and paint, and most were deteriorating. Marion Restoration removed all layers of paint with a chemical stripper. This process revealed the original colors and finishes for replication. Our artisans then hand painted each statue back to their historic appearance using a breathable lime-based paint.
Stripping of Multiple Coating Layers
- Layers reacting to stripping solution.
- Removal of all surface coatings, the original crisp carved lines are evident.
- Layers of paint and cementitious coating obscure detail, crack and spall the stone.
Meticulous Restoration
- Deteriorating layers note evidence of the original gold finish.
- Hand painting completed by our skilled artisans.
- Felician Sisters Work – Recreating Statue