PAPER MACHE
RESTORATION PROCESS
Jazzman
This 40-year-old, five-foot tall Jazzman sculpture was made entirely of paper. When Jeff received it, it was dried out and brittle. It was broken in several pieces, and it crumbled like potato chips from age. No one would take on this restoration. Jeff did – with amazing results!
For full-size image, please click on each picture.
1
Before
Here’s a close up of the dried and brittle base.
2
Before
And another close up of the brittle layers peeling off the structure.
3
Before
The soulful Jazzman and his saxophone had more joy to share. Jeff was bound and determined to bring life back to this sculpture!
4
During
It crumbled when touched, and it took many hours to stabilize all the paper with cement.
5
During
After the cement hardened, the sculpture could be put back together.
6
During
The inside was also reinforced with fiber padding.
7
During
The piece was standing again – rebuilt from the base up. It leaned against a street light, which was restored too.
8
During
Many more layers of cement were added to the sculpture making it even stronger.
9
After
The sculpture was completely restored, which thrilled Jeff's client!
10
After
Two other art restorers told the client that this couldn’t be done. As you can see, Jeff's restoration results were worth it!