17th Century terracotta Holy Family group

The following 17th century Holy Family group was damaged severely in a fall.  The base had to have a secondary layer placed beneath’ made of marine ply. This was then joined with the terracotta so as to strengthen the structure of the base
The missing sections of feet were then made. A tiny hole was drilled into Joseph’s neck from behind to cure the shattered structure from within.  The sculpture was then left to ‘set’ for a week.
The sculpture, now with its strength restored was sanded down and coloured with earth pigments, followed by waxing and polishing.

Cleaning a crucifix sculpture