Although the original trompe l’oeil decoration had been painted over in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, peeling paint revealed its existence. Through finish analysis and the creation of a special chemical process, the over-paint was successfully removed, allowing us to save the original decorative paint without damage. As a result the entire decorative program used in the sanctuary could be conserved rather than re-painted.
Clues to the trompe L' Oeil mural behind the pulpit were revealed after a fire consumed the pulpit curtain and blistered the paint. Using the same removal process revealed a perspective view into a chamber. Although the fire damage required restoration of certain parts of the decorative paint, most of the mural could be conserved. As seen in the above photo, the sanctuary after conservation.
ARCHITECT: Unknown, 1845
