A restoration project is currently underway on the 18th century Coro Ligneo (wooden choir) in Saint George's Cathedral in Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The work was originally created by F.lli Lagaà, renowned mid-18th century ebony-workers and sculptors from Militello (CT) in eastern Sicily, who produced some particularly important works.
Saint George's Cathedral is the starting point of the Modica-Noto-Ibla Baroque tour and the choir, located in the apse of the altar, is one of the most significant works found in this wonderful church.
The restoration of the choir is particularly complex, due to its current serious state of neglect.
The entire surface is covered by a thick layer of resin mixed with wax, altering its colour, while it is also showing serious signs of structural damage which have caused the kneelers in the higher rows to buckle and slope sharply forwards.
The choir was originally composed of 32 stalls, and another twelve places were added to the first two rows in the 19th century due to the increased number of canons, creating a three-level choir.
During the restoration, this addition came to light along with the original 18th century structure which included a central stairway.
The documents found in the parish archives confirmed the conclusions of Prof. Teodoro Auricchio, one of the most esteemed experts in the sector, who led the 18-strong restoration team involved in the project.
In order to ensure its success, some leading firms in the sector (Bosch Italia SpA, Coral SpA, 3M, Fervi) contributed the right equipment for the restoration operations in such an important and above all public context.
The collaboration of the technical staff from Coral SpA was particularly decisive, who provided a controlled suction and filtering system used for the dust and waste material from the works, in order to protect the precious site while allowing the restoration team to work in complete tranquillity and safety.
|
|
