Mural conservators have been working to uncover 20 angels hidden under layers of paint for over a century at the Boston church known for being the site where Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride began. The painted angels, with childlike faces and wings, were a prominent feature of the Old North Church when they were originally painted around 1730. However, in 1912, they were painted over with thick coats of white paint during a renovation, which the conservators are now seeking to reverse. Gianfranco Pocobene, one of the conservators, has been working atop scaffolding to uncover eight of the 20 angels that have been hidden for so many years.
The discovery of the angels has been described as a revelation, as they are considered to be both interesting and historic works of art that have not been seen in generations. The Old North Church, which is best known for its role in American history as the starting point of Paul Revere’s ride, has a rich heritage that the conservators are working hard to preserve. Efforts to restore the sandstone and teal-colored angels began in September, with eight angels already completed and another eight expected to be finished by the spring. The angels were originally painted by congregation member John Gibbs, who signed a contract to paint them, and a paint study conducted in 2017 confirmed they were still present on the walls.
Painting conservator Corrine Long, who is working on the restoration project, described the challenges faced in removing seven layers of paint without damaging the angels. She explained that the process involved applying a solvent gel to soften the layers of paint, manually removing it with a plastic scraper, and then cleaning the angels with cotton swabs and retouching to remove any signs of damage. Long stated that one of the most satisfying aspects of the project was returning parts of the church to their original appearance as intended by the founders. She noted that being surrounded by the original paintings and decorations in a building with historical significance is truly awe-inspiring.
Old North Illuminated associate director of education, Emily Spence, emphasized the importance of the color scheme and interior decor in the church’s history, with the colorful angels playing a significant role in the identity of the congregation. Spence explained that the restoration efforts are not just about preserving art but also about maintaining the historical integrity and significance of the church for future generations to appreciate. Despite the challenges and meticulous work involved in the restoration process, the conservators are dedicated to bringing back the original beauty of the angels while respecting the historical context of the church.
The conservators’ painstaking efforts have not gone unnoticed by visitors, including tourists Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California, who marveled at the sight of the uncovering angels and expressed excitement at seeing the completed project. While the church was mostly empty during the restoration work, the conservators, as well as the tourists, recognized the importance of preserving and celebrating the historical and artistic value of the Old North Church. The uncovering of these hidden angels serves as a reminder of the rich history and significance of the church as a symbol of American history and a treasure trove of colonial art and architecture.
