MEMORIAL CONSERVATION INCLUDED AN INITIAL SURVEY FOLLOWED BY STONEWORK REPAIRS AND GILDING

Project Overview
The Cumberland Memorial in Windsor Great Park is a Portland stone monument dedicated to the Duke of Cumberland. It was constructed around 1750 and raised on the order of King George II in recognition of his son Prince William. The obelisk stands 26.2m tall and is topped by a bronze sun sphere.

Following a tender process, Cliveden Conservation was appointed to clean and repair the obelisk and conduct a specialist survey of the sphere which resulted in the reinstatement of the gilded decoration.

Condition Assessment
Conservators observed sulphate staining to the obelisk and areas of damaged stonework. Some of elements to the Bathstone wreaths on the plinth of the monument were also missing. Investigation work to the bronze sun sphere revealed it was originally gilded.

Challenges
Throughout the project conservators were challenged with access and the weather. A truck operated access platform was employed as a cost-effective alternative to a full scaffold. However, this meant more exposure to the elements, less stability and tighter windows in which to work.

Conservators had to work efficiently to avoid overrunning on the hire costs of the plant machinery. The initial trials and surveys were imperative to the smooth running of the project, this ensured the team were totally prepared with the full scope of works.

Conservation Treatment
Stone cleaning trials including poultices, and hot and cold steam cleaning were trialled and reviewed before the specification was agreed. The ThermaTech steam cleaning system was used to remove the sulphate staining and sensitively clean all the stone and bronze.

Our stonemasons then undertook Portland stone indents to repair damaged sections of the obelisk and repointed any failed joints in lime mortar. The missing elements to the Bathstone wreaths were re-carved in situ on the plinth and the bronze sun was re-gilded at height from the mobile access platform.

Results
The appearance of the Cumberland Memorial has been transformed through conservation treatment. All the damaged stonework has been repaired and the monument looks much cleaner. The gilded bronze sphere provides a dramatic focal point as it glitters in the sun.

The use of alternative access in the form of the platform provided a cost-effective solution and ensured the project could go ahead and be completed on time and within budget.