The original statues of the Our Lady at Knock apparition gable are being restored. Sculptor conservator Jason Ellis is restoring the statues which date from 1881 and which will form part of the new exhibition at Knock Museum.
The Portland stone for the statues was brought originally from England.
Mr Ellis said the statues had no fewer than twelve layers of paint which had to be removed before he could commence the restoration work.
The repeated painting had obscured intricate detail on the statue especially around the face and hands, he explained.
He said it had also suffered physical damage over the years especially near its base.
“It looks as if someone tied a chain around the base of the statue and attempted to drag it from its original position causing some of the stone to break off" he remarked.
Mr Ellis is using special plaster to restore the statue to its original state.
Knock Museum obtained a Special Conservation Grant from the Heritage Council to restore it.
When it is fully restored, the statues will be given a lime-wash like they had originally in 1881.
Mr Ellis said he found two names etched on the statues, one was ‘James Earley’ or ‘Paul Earley’, probably referring to a Dublin firm which fitted out churches.
The second is believed to be the name of P.C.D. Warren, who interviewed the witnesses of the Knock apparition in 1881 for a book.
Knock Museum recently received Interim Accreditation in the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland for excellence in caring for its collections, museum management, education, and exhibition and visitor services.
It is one of only seven museums in Ireland to achieve this award.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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