Conservation Maintenance of the Bernardo de Galvez Statue, the General Jose DE San Martin Memorial & the Discobolus Statues

The Tradesmen Group LLC (TTG) was honored to be selected by the National Park Service (NPS) for conservation maintenance services on three significant memorials in Washington, DC: the Bernardo de Galvez Statue, General Jose de San Martin Memorial, and the Discobolus Statue.

This project, part of an IDIQ contract TTG held with NPS for the National Capital Region, showcased TTG’s expertise in both granite masonry restoration and bronze statuary conservation.

Granite Masonry Conservation

  • Cleaning of stone features using general cleaning techniques
  • Detailed cleaning of atmospheric and organic soiling with targeted methods where needed

Bronze Statuary Conservation

  • Cleaning of bronze surfaces to remove atmospheric soiling and old wax
  • Spot patination where needed
  • Re-waxing of bronze sculptures

Specialized Repairs

  • Correction of open seams on the Bernardo de Galvez Statue using lead wool
  • Delicate brazing repairs on the San Jose de Martin Statue to address three cracks discovered on the horse’s tail
  • Execution of brazed welded repairs using Everdur Silicon Bronze
  • Finishing, patination, and waxing of repaired bronze surfaces to blend with adjacent areas

Professional Collaboration

  • TTG enlisted the services of conservator Debora Rodriguez of Past Matters LLC for all conservation services

The Tradesmen Group demonstrated its exceptional capability in executing complex conservation projects on historically significant monuments. As the primary contractor, TTG showcased its comprehensive in-house preservation services and ability to manage multifaceted conservation work.

Key aspects of TTG’s role included:

  • Executing diverse conservation techniques for different materials (granite and bronze)
  • Performing detailed inspections and addressing unforeseen issues discovered during the project
  • Implementing specialized repair techniques to maintain the integrity of the statues
  • Managing a project scope that required careful handling of historically and culturally significant monuments
  • Collaborating with expert conservators to ensure the highest standards of conservation

This project underscores TTG’s commitment to preserving America’s historical monuments through advanced conservation techniques and meticulous attention to detail. Our successful execution of the Virginia Avenue Memorials conservation project further solidifies TTG’s position as a leader in historic preservation, capable of addressing complex conservation needs while ensuring the longevity and authenticity of significant national monuments.

 

Client

National Park Service

Location

Washington, DC

Services Performed

Architectural Metals, Masonry Restoration

Sector

Government

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