Restoring the stucco marble of the altars

A return to former glory

Parallel to the restoration of Saint Ambrose in 2009, the stucco marble on the altars - dirty and discoloured from coats of oil - was also renovated. In some parts the layer of marble had come away from the brick beneath and only stayed in place because of residual stress. Mechanical damage had led to the loss whole areas of stucco.

At the start of restorations protruding parts were secured with glue. Then oil and wax residue was removed chemically. Hollow parts were reinforced with gypsum lime mixture. Lime grout was used for the imperfections. Then a stucco marble mass, like that of the original, consisting of alabaster, hide glue and pigment was mixed, laid out into plates and formed with special tools. Repeated sanding and polishing then brought out the shiny surface typical of stucco marble.