Polychrome Saints Sculptures

Blind Eye Restoration was hired by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in the spring of 2018 to work on artworks in and around the main sanctuary of St. Sebastian Parish in Akron, OH.

Included in the scope of work were 14 polychrome wood sculptures of the saints carved for the church by artisans in the Tyroleon sector of Italy. 8 of of the sculptures were set in side altars on marble mounts with gilded lettering and decorative painted walls. 4 others were set on smaller pedistals at the front and back of the side aisles, and Mary and Joseph were set up at the front of the sanctuary before the altar covered in gilding and varnish. Damages to the statues included various dents, discoloration from over-waxing, and cracks associated with expansion of the glued joints. There were also some scratches in the finishes, and small wooden pieces that had been broken off and lost. Blind Eye was contracted to examine and document each statue individually, clean, and repair any damages. 

Once the statues were complete, the side altars were also cleaned of soot and wax, and the finishes were touched up where they had been scratched and dented. The lettering in the marble bases of each of the saints was refreshed from being rubbed away over the years.