Monday, April 28, 2008
A new report on the façade by conservation expert Anthony Crosby, Architectural Conservation LLC in Denver, Colo., concluded that the overall conditions of the front of San Xavier “appear to be reasonably good,” although he pointed out a number of areas of concern. He inspected the front structure as a favor to Patronato board member Bunny Fontana.
The façade was last restored in the early 1950s when the estipite columns that flank the front entrance to the church were replaced. The columns had fallen over a period of time until 1942 when only two remained.
Those were removed, packed up and stored during World War II and used as a model to recast all 10 in 1952. At the time they were replaced, other stucco repairs were made to sections of the facade and to the sculptural figures of the saints.
Temporary scaffolding in April
Façade about 1880, courtesy of Arizona Historical Society
Tohono Restoration drawing shows conception of the original facade colors. The gray indicates a lack of pigment information about the scroll work at the top.
Crosby’s report points out cracks in the façade, some structural, that should be monitored and other smaller cracks that have opened up at the junction of the original lime and sand mortar and later repairs that probably included cement.
His report suggests that Patronato conduct an extensive survey of the entire surface to identify and rank the most serious areas of deterioration, as well as ascertain what materials are original and what have been repaired. After that, a pilot treatment for those areas in need of restoration could be produced.
Our conservators, Tim Lewis and Matilde Rubio, examined the façade from temporary scaffolding in April and began mapping areas for further examination. They gathered minute paint samples and other physical materials, took documentary photos for additional study and made created graphic estimates about the original color combinations of the façade. The chemical composition of the samples will be tested in a laboratory in Madrid, Spain later this year.
