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Condition
- Losses and failing in the pointing
- Minor losses in the marble
- Failing previous repairs and superfluous ironalloy pins
- All three central storks missing lower and upper beaks and containing remnants of previous repairs
- Ingrained dirt and staining
- Biological growth across the entire surface
- Copper corrosion and failing wax coating on bronze plaques and stork
- Abrasions on faux bronze surfaces
Treatment
- Entire monument surface steam cleaned
- Loose or degraded pointing was removed, and repointed
- Failing repairs were removed
- Granite staining was reduced
- Iron alloy pins were removed and filled with mortar
- Marble loss was repaired with pigmented mortar
- Six new stork beaks (two per bird) were carved in Carrara marble and secured
- Bronze plaques, stork and frogs were repatinated after removing aged wax, then rewaxed and buffed
- A biocide was applied to reduce biological growth
This comprehensive conservation treatment returned the whimsical Petersen Fountain to its original aesthetic glory. It will help preserve this gem of a fountain for future generations to enjoy.
In the news
https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/conserving-ballarats-public-art-0
Before treatment
After treatment
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