Stations of the Cross
Over the past few years, there has been significant progress made on bringing our historic Stations of the Cross back to life. It has been a laborious process, yet the conservation team David Stein & Co. Conservation of Fine Art, based in Alexandria, were able to carefully re-master each of our 14 beautiful Stations, bringing out the original colour, depth and clarity of the originals. These now once again adorn the walls of Our Mother Cathedral.
This restoration would not have been possible without the generous support from benefactors from across the Archdiocese. We were fortunate to receive many generous gifts ranging from $5 to tens of thousands. Many benefactors also sponsored a station and provided heroic gifts. They are acknowledged and thanked below.
Restoration Work
- The deployment of a scissor lift and a specially designed crane, suitably sized for indoor environments to carry large and heavy items, was needed to gently bring down each station
- Once safely grounded, the team carefully dismantled the historic paintings from the deteriorated oak frames (which in itself requires preservation), to then be carried away and loaded for delivery to the studio in Alexandria.
- Upon arrival, the team of conservators examine the stations individually using a suite of innovative techniques and special UV lighting tools to identify extensive damages - such as water damage, torn canvas material, paint discolouration and more.
- After identifying these damages, the team started to apply a unique blend of chemicals to first remove the thin layer of discoloured paint in preparation for more vibrant paints to be applied. In addition, tools for art restoration were used to remove dust embedded in the canvas fibres, and around the Station’s edges. Mending tools also repaired torn edges.
- Once completed, the art is carefully placed back into the restored frame and, with the scissor lift and crane, are installed back to the Cathedral walls - gracing parishioners and visitors.
Station Sponsors to be Acknowledged in
St Mary’s Cathedral
To assist in the restorational works of the Stations of the Cross, benefactors are invited to consider sponsoring a Station, perhaps in their family name or in honour of a loved one. Gifts will be acknowledged with benefactors recognised on a special plaque to be installed later next year.
The Stations and our Benefactors
As part of the intimate gathering with our sponsors and benefactors, Bishop Richard Umbers gave a meditation on the importance of the Stations of the Cross. You can watch this below: