Grand palais des champs-élysées, paris
       
     
4 carving in situ.JPG
       
     
2 fixing blocks in place.JPG
       
     
P1010012.JPG
       
     
P1010017.JPG
       
     
1 before - old capitals.JPG
       
     
Grand palais des champs-élysées, paris
       
     
Grand palais des champs-élysées, paris

In 2007-9 I was involved in a major restoration project on the Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées, an ornate, Neo-Baroque exhibition hall from the Belle Epoque. The main focus for the carving repair was the replacement of a dozen Ionic capitals which had weathered beyond repair in an exposed location at the end of the building next to the Seine. The capitals were prepared as carving reservations off site, installed, and carved in situ by a team of three carvers. I was the company’s principal carver on site and carved five of the capitals.

In addition, I also replaced many other stone features on the building. Several of the figures in the carved groups had missing or damaged elements. With indent repairs and mortar repairs I replaced fingers, toes, hair, knees, clothing and a breast.

I also carved some large sections of an ornate frieze, several dozen modillions and rosettes underneath replaced sections of cornice, five decorated window keystones, and endless yards of egg-and-dart and other classical motifs

4 carving in situ.JPG
       
     
2 fixing blocks in place.JPG
       
     
P1010012.JPG
       
     
P1010017.JPG
       
     
1 before - old capitals.JPG