Our Restoration Projects and much more

Dear Patrons and Friends,

Hard work never stops and while part of our staff is travelling North America to increase Patrons’ membership and expand giving opportunities, here in Rome our restorers keep working on the restoration projects you so generously funded.

Today we will bring you inside our Tapestry Restoration Laboratory to follow the first steps of the restoration of the Frieze with the Coat of Arms of Clement VII from the Workshop of Pieter van Aelst, we will document the fortunate encounter that some of our Patrons had with Sister Raffaella Petrini, the new secretary general of the Governatorate of Vatican City and we will leave you with the second episode of a Vatican Minute by Monsignor Terrence Hogan, each week a very special meditation as we journey to Easter through Lent.

Let’s begin!

PATRONS IN FLORIDA
Meeting Sister Raffaella Petrini

Sister Raffealla Petrini had previously planned a trip to the United States as a part of her responsabilities with her new role as the secretary general of the Vatican City State. She was able to visit Florida which enabled her to meet some patrons and attend an event organized by the Florida PAVM Chapter.

As the world conitues to open up and travel becomes a reality again we look forward to having larger group gatherings with her both in Rome and abroad.

our restoration project APAVM
Jill Alexy and Mary Viator after Mass at Saint Edwards parish in Palm Beach.
APAVM Restoration Project
Joe and Marilyn Benoit together with Sister Raffaella Petrini at a brunch reception hosted by the Florida Chapter of PAVM
Restoration patrons APAM Project
John and Virginia Gildea together with Sister Raffaella Petrini and Fr Kevin LIxey at a dinner they hosted for patrons on Feb 19
APAVM Project Restoration
Fr Kevin and Sister Raffaella Petrini walk the sidewalks of Palm Beach after attending mass with the local community

FRIEZE WITH COAT OF ARMS OF CLEMENT VII
Restoration Project Update

The work on the frieze started in July 2021 thanks to the support received by the Nishimoto Family (Italian and International Chapter and The Galileo Foundation) and it is still ongoing. As a first step, restorers carried out a photographic campaign to document the state of conservation before any restoration work.

Detail of the state of conservation
of the area that underwent a previous restoration

Analyzing the front and back of the tapestries is interesting to note the discoloration that dyes undergo due to incorrect exposure to light, dust, temperature and humidity over the centuries since they are objects of use.

study preservation APAVM
The study of the state of preservation, dyes, fibers and metal yarns is always carried out in the Cabinet of Scientific Research.

During these initial phases of restoration, a journal includes and records updates and all restoration activities. In addition, restorers made a basic chart, which will be used in the various phases of the work to indicate the state of conservation, the points of withdrawal of the yarns, and the progress of the work.

Once the previous restorations had been removed, restorers proceeded with the preparation for the washing by adjusting the free warps to avoid deformations during the cleaning in water solution. This operation, very important and delicate, requires a long execution and several months to complete.

The restorers APAVM
The restorers, Chiara Pavan, Laura Pace Morino and Viola Ceppetelli, during the washing process.

A VATICAN MINUTE
with Monsignor Terrence Hogan

 

Our journey through Lent continues with the words of Monsignor Hogan, our Norh American Chapters Chaplain. This videos will help you prepare for and deepen your experience of this holy season.

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