The idea
In celebration of the Greek Runner’s forthcoming 100th anniversary in St Peter's Square, W6 and in light of its deteriorating state, Hammersmith and Fulham council and St Peter's Residents Association are working together to preserve this Grade 2 listed statue.
The sculptor Sir William Blake Richmond (1842–1921) was a British painter, sculptor and a designer of stained glass and mosaic. He is best known for his portrait work and decorative mosaics in St Paul's Cathedral and was very influential in the early stages of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
The statue was cast at the Thames Ditton Foundry in 1879 and was donated to the Square by the family of the sculptor in 1926.
St Peter's Square was initially laid out in 1825 and is one of only two parks within Hammersmith and Fulham to hold grade 2 listed status. It is part of the St Peter's conservation area and is a busy local park, popular with locals, families and dog walkers and hosts regular community events
What we'll deliver
- Remove current protective coating on the statue
- Deep clean the statue using a high pressure steam cleaning system
- Remove oxidisation on the statue's underlying bronze surface
- Once clean, apply patinated surface to provide protection for next 100 years
- Hand buff to soft sheen
- Clean stone plinth
- Apply chemical poultice to draw out green staining on plinth
- Make good any damage to planting around the statue
Why it's a great idea
The work proposed by Rupert Harris Conservation will restore the surface of the sculpture to a condition that is visually as original, while at the same time providing the sculpture with a surface that is both protected and maintainable, as well as undertaking the cleaning of the plinth.
Steps to get it done
- Prepare the site and set up scaffolding
- Deep clean the statue
- Apply new protective coating
- Deep clean the stone plinth
- Make good any damage to the gardens
