NOTE: Buccacio Sculpture Services, New England Foundry, is highly skilled in the restoration of 17th-Century scagliola. Contact us if you need this service: 818.422.0292
New England foundry, Buccacio Sculpture Services, utilizes old world techniques to restore 17th-Century Tuscan scagliola.
New England foundry, Buccacio Sculpture just completed the restoration of the original scagliola located in the front entrance of the Franklin, MA Library. The Franklin Public Library is considered America’s first public library.
Jeff Buccacio, owner of New England Foundry Buccacio Sculpture Services, repairing the Scagliola in the Franklin, MA Library
Jeff and Nina Buccacio, owners of Buccacio Sculpture Services LLC, carefully v-channel over 4200 sq. ft. of cracks and losses of the existing scagliola, removing any loose debris, located in the library entrance. http://milforddailynews.com/news/20170816/franklin-artists-restore-centuries-old-plaster
Scagliola (from the Italian scaglia, meaning “chips”), is a technique for producing stucco columns, sculptures, and other architectural elements that resemble inlays in marble and semi-precious stones. The Scagliola technique came into fashion in 17th-century Tuscany as an effective substitute for costly marble inlays, the pietra dura works created for the Medici family in Florence.
Nina Buccacio, owner of New England Foundry Buccacio Sculpture, wet sanding scagliola in the Franklin, MA Library
APPLICATION OF NEW SCAGLIOLA
In prepping the v-channels for new scagliola application, epoxy with 3/16 threaded steal rod is inserted into the cracks at various intervals to reinforce the surface of the scagliola. Lacquer is then applied to seal area for repair. New scagliola is then mixed, using old world techniques, and applied to the v-channels. Once drying time is completed the area is wet sanded with various sandpaper up to 1200 grit. Special oils are applied to seal the new scagliola before waxes are applied and buffed to a new polished look to 17th century old scagliola. LEARN MORE about this process.
Scagliola restoration by New England Foundry Buccacio Sculpture Services
The restoration of the scagliola took Buccacio Sculpture Services and Foundry about three weeks. Many more weeks were spent on the restoration to the front and rear bronze entrance doors, 7’/9′ plaster plaque full restoration and 1500 sq. ft. of black granite located directly below all of the scagliola and walkway down to lower floor of library. Our New England Foundry also installed the missing and damaged bronze railing and bronze vent covers located throughout the library.
Click link to view other restoration work completed at the Franklin, MA Library. https://buccaciosculptureservices.com/restoration-and-conservation/
New England Foundry, Buccacio Sculpture Services restores scagliola on 2 sets of 4 18 ft. tall pillars in the Franklin, MA Library
New England Foundry, Buccacio Sculpture Services is truly proud to be given the opportunity to utilize our craftmanship in the restoration of the Franklin Public Library, for the community to enjoy for years to come.