The Cultural Heritage department of the La Laguna City Council is currently evaluating the findings of an extensive study conducted on the condition of the monument dedicated to Father Anchieta. This project was commissioned by the council to the renowned Spanish firm GEA Geological Consulting, with contributions from the restorer Pablo Klett Fernández.
Following this technical examination of the chemical and physical factors impacting the sculpture, along with the most suitable cleaning and conservation methods established after the in situ analysis conducted in July of this year, GEA has proposed a comprehensive restoration project for this substantial monument, which stands nearly 5.5 metres tall and weighs over 3.5 tonnes. The initial estimated cost for this undertaking is 48,678.26 euros.
“This represents a considerable expense, which is why we are already seeking the optimal approach to tender the restoration and safeguarding of the statue as soon as possible,” stated the department’s councillor, Adolfo Cordobés.
Furthermore, the councillor noted that, based on the findings in the detailed assessment of the bronze’s condition, it has been concluded that all the identified alterations appear to impact the image of Anchieta on a superficial level, preserving the metallic core of the tested sections that maintain the properties of the bronze. Researchers have confirmed that the sculpture, in general, is in a satisfactory state of conservation, considering the duration that the statue has been exposed to environmental conditions. We are particularly concerned about the degradation of the base, which has unfortunately lost some components in recent years; however, we believe it can be restored.”
The action plan outlines, based on the evaluations conducted, how the restoration should be executed, including safety protocols, materials recommended for cleaning, duration of exposure, secure methods for sealing fissures, and protective treatments. These will be specifically adapted for both the bronze sculpture and its granite pedestal, with the latter encompassing procedures to reinforce the damaged areas and restore the base’s volume.
The restoration will be divided into four distinct phases, with provisions for monitoring and quality assurance. It is anticipated that, once initiated, the process will take approximately two months. The projected expense for the undertaking covers all associated costs, including waste disposal and taxes. However, costs in certain areas may fluctuate depending on the prices of rentals, raw materials, or the shipping of materials at the time of execution, they noted.
Cleaning and sampling procedures for laboratory analyses were performed between the 1st and 3rd of July at the sculpture’s current site in the newly created small square adjacent to the Faculty of Biology, located to the northwest of the Father Anchieta roundabout in La Laguna.
The diagnosis is based on a report compiled prior to the statue’s transfer, produced by the Cicop Foundation and signed by Miguel Ángel Fernández Matrán. This document outlines the statue’s condition along with an assessment prepared by Antonio Hernández, a Secondary Technology professor.
