Good day, I am wondering if anyone has researched the field of making relatively affordable copies of sculptures that would be displayed outdoors.
We have a situation in out province where a large amount of religious sculptures made of wood core and metal sheeting overlay, made mainly around the beginning of the 20th Century to adorn Church facades, are now being lost to the elements and lack of rigourous maintenance (fissures appear in the metal sheeting, follows water infiltration, follows wood core rotting). These were locally made with a technique that we haven't really seen anywhere else, so very little to no litterature was found on the subject, and even less on the conservation of such objects. We are trying to find ways to preserve this important local heritage, and part of the strategy would involve bringing indoors the sculptures to decrease the rate of the deterioration. But in many instances, the sculptures belong to Churches that are still used by the community, and they are reticent to remove them from their facades. Therefore, we are also trying to find ways to have copies made in materials that would resist the elements for a medium length of time (10-15 years). We are looking on one side at 3D scanning, of course, but I am more interested into materials and methods for fabrication that would be relatively affordable, as not all clients can afford bronze copies. Is there anyone out here who has studied current materials that can be either 3D printed or CNC machined or molded at relatively affordable costs, and that will withstand being outdoors for more then a few years? I already have on my list fiberglass as well as concrete. I know wood can be machined but in our climate, it is not a very good option. I am open to research any good or somewhat crazy suggestions. Thank you -- Myriam Lavoie Sculpture conservator, Centre de Conservation du Québec, Quebec city ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
