December 25th 2024.
As he perched on the scaffolding, Gianfranco Pocobene, a skilled conservator, was hard at work in a historic church located in the bustling city of Boston. His task was to reveal eight angels that had been concealed under layers of paint for over one hundred years. These painted angels, with their cherubic faces and delicate wings, were once a prominent feature of the Old North Church, dating back to the 1730s. However, in 1912, during a renovation project, the church officials decided to cover them with thick coats of white paint, stripping the church of its vibrant and ornate interior.
Curiosity filled Pocobene's mind as he wondered what lay beneath the layers of paint. "When we first started this project six months ago, we had no idea what we would find," he shared. As the oldest church building in Boston, the Old North Church holds great historical significance, particularly as a key location during the Revolutionary War. Pocobene and his team were determined to uncover the angels and restore them to their former glory.
"It has been a truly remarkable experience to discover these stunning works of art that have been hidden from view for so long," Pocobene remarked. "To be a part of this project and expose something from colonial America is truly extraordinary."
The Old North Church is a popular tourist spot, known for its role in Paul Revere's famous ride and its ties to the Revolutionary War. However, as the 250th anniversary of Revere's ride approached, the church officials wanted to draw attention to its beginnings in 1723 and its complicated history, including its connection to the slave trade. Emily Spence, the associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, explained that the church's interior was once much more vibrant and colorful, setting it apart from the Puritan-dominated city of Boston.
The restoration project began in September, with the goal of bringing the sandstone and teal-colored angels back to life. The team worked tirelessly, carefully removing seven layers of paint without causing any damage. Corrine Long, a painting conservator, described the challenges they faced and the satisfaction of revealing the original colors and details of the angels. "It's amazing to see a building as it was originally intended," she shared, "and to remove years of paint to reveal the true majesty and history of the space."
As the scaffolding slowly came down, the angels were gradually revealed, each one unique in its pose and character. Pocobene was amazed by the skill of the artist, John Gibbs, and the way the angels created a beautiful and rhythmic pattern across the church's walls. For Long, seeing the angels come to life was the most rewarding part of the project.
On a quiet day at the church, two tourists, Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine, stumbled upon the ongoing restoration work. Despite the scaffolding and steel beams, they were captivated by what they could see of the angels. "It's really cool," said Dixon, "and I can't wait to see the full picture once the scaffolding is gone." Jardine added, "It's incredible to think that these angels were here all along, hidden from view, and now we get to witness their beauty."
As the project nears its completion, the Old North Church will be restored to its original glory, giving visitors a glimpse into the past and honoring its rich history. Pocobene, Long, and the rest of the team can take pride in their efforts to bring these hidden angels back to life, preserving an important piece of colonial America for generations to come.
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