Precision Laser Cleaning Restore Sensitive Sculptures After the St Joseph Lochinvar Chapel Fire, NSW.

In November 2018, an arson attack severely damaged the historic St Joseph Lochinvar Chapel. Although firefighters quickly contained the blaze, the structure and its valuable contents sustained extensive smoke and soot damage. This case study highlights the role of Precision Laser Cleaning (PLC) in restoring sensitive sculptures, specifically the marble and painted statues and the 14 Stations of the Cross, to their original condition.

The Challenges:

The fire inflicted significant damage on the chapel’s interior. The grand piano, original pipe organ, and numerous sculptures faced severe smoke and debris contamination. The marble and painted sculptures, including the Stations of the Cross, were particularly affected. These artworks required a delicate and meticulous restoration process to avoid further damage. The primary challenge was to restore these sensitive sculptures without causing abrasion or additional harm.

The Solution

Steamatic Australia, the company overseeing the chapel’s restoration, engaged Precision Laser Cleaning to restore the sensitive sculptures. PLC deployed expert technicians equipped with advanced laser ablation technology. This method proved ideal for the task due to its precision and non-abrasive nature.

The PLC team systematically addressed the restoration process:

1. Assessment: Technicians thoroughly assessed each sculpture to determine the extent of the damage.
2. Laser Ablation: Using laser ablation technology, they carefully removed soot, smoke, and debris from the sculptures. This technique allowed for precise cleaning without physical contact, thus preventing any potential damage to the delicate surfaces.
3. Quality Control: Throughout the restoration, PLC ensured the sculptures were meticulously cleaned and restored to their pre-event condition.

The Outcomes:

The restoration effort by Precision Laser Cleaning resulted in several positive outcomes:

• Preservation of Artworks: All 14 Stations of the Cross and the marble statues were restored to their original state. The non-abrasive laser ablation method ensured no further damage occurred.
• Enhanced Chapel Aesthetics: The restored sculptures significantly contributed to the chapel’s aesthetic and historical value, preserving its cultural heritage.
• Client Satisfaction: Steamatic and the chapel administration expressed high satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the restoration work carried out by PLC.

Precision Laser Cleaning successfully restored the sensitive sculptures of St Joseph Lochinvar Chapel, demonstrating the effectiveness of laser ablation technology in preserving and enhancing valuable artworks.