BOSTON (AP) — High above the historic Old North Church of Boston, murals conservator Gianfranco Pocobene carefully navigates the scaffolding, revealing eight angels obscured by layers of paint for over a century. Originally part of the church’s captivating interior, these painted angels, characterized by their round, childlike faces and delicate wings, were created circa 1730.
In 1912, church officials decided to cover these angels with thick coats of white paint during a major renovation, which restoration experts are now striving to undo. “When we began this project six months ago, we had no idea what treasures might lie beneath,” Pocobene noted as the church prepared to unveil the angels, adding he finds it extraordinary to reveal such significant colonial art that had been hidden from view for generations.
Uncovering a Hidden Legacy
The Old North Church, a popular destination in Boston’s North End, is best known for the two lanterns hung from its steeple on the night Paul Revere rode in 1775 to signal the British army’s approach. This church not only played a pivotal role in American history but also has connections to its darker past, as many of its early members were involved in the slave trade. Emily Spence, associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, pointed out that the colorful interiors of the church were an essential part of its identity, reflecting a vibrant, Anglican congregation often at odds with the more austere Puritan traditions of the time.
As the church anticipates the 250th anniversary of Revere’s famous ride in April, officials hope to honor the church’s roots, including a restoration project that aims to bring back the rich colors and original artistic designs, which included sandstone and teal-colored angels. So far, eight of the original 20 angels have been uncovered, with plans to reveal the remaining ones in time.
The Restoration Process
The process of restoration is intricate and delicate. Corrine Long, another conservator on the team, explained the challenge involved in painstakingly removing seven layers of paint without damaging the artwork underneath. Each layer requires a solvent gel to soften it before being scraped away with a plastic scraper, followed by cleaning with cotton swabs, and finally, retouching to restore the original beauty. The moment Pocobene and Long began their work, they sensed the significance of their findings.
A Connection to History
Pocobene remarked on the individuality of each angel’s design, stating, “They all have their own character — they’re not copies. Artist John Gibbs painted them uniquely, creating diverse poses that generate a beautiful rhythmic pattern throughout the church.” Long reflected on the joy of restoring the church to its intended grandeur. “It’s awe-inspiring to be surrounded by the original decorations and paintings,” she stated, “Repainting everything white diminishes the historical majesty.”
As visitors flock to the site, excitement grows around the restoration project. On a recent day, a couple of tourists, Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California, explored the church, captivated by the ongoing work. “I was shocked when I first saw it,” Dixon expressed. “It looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see the full picture once the scaffolding is down.”
Restoring Historical Identity
As the detail-oriented process continues, church officials remain focused on highlighting the rich history of the Old North Church — not just as a historical landmark, but as a dynamic place of worship that reflects the complexities of American history.
