Mural conservators in Boston are currently uncovering 20 angels that have been hidden for over a century beneath layers of paint at the church attended by Paul Revere. This restoration effort comes just months before the 250th anniversary of the patriot’s historic ride. Gianfranco Pocobene, a conservator, has been diligently chipping away at the layers of paint at Old North Church, where Revere once served as a bell ringer during his teenage years.
The angels, which were originally painted around 1730 with a distinctive look featuring round and almost childlike features, were a defining feature of the church in the early 18th century. However, in 1912, they were mysteriously covered in thick coats of white paint, drastically altering their original appearance.
Emily Spence, the associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, highlighted the significance of the colorful interior and original design of the church, which played an important role in the identity of the congregation. Now, restorationists like Pocobene are working to carefully reveal and restore the angels to their former glory.
Eight of the obscured angels have already been uncovered, with plans to reveal the remaining twelve in the coming months. This restoration project not only showcases historic works of art from colonial America but also sheds light on the rich history of the Old North Church beyond its association with Paul Revere’s ride.
As the 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride approaches, the church aims to emphasize its founding in 1723 and its complex history, including ties to both liberty and slavery. The church’s initial construction provided homes for Boston’s growing Anglican community, with the angels being present since its early days.
This ongoing restoration project is a testament to the dedication of conservators like Gianfranco Pocobene and Corrine Long, who are committed to preserving and unveiling the hidden treasures within the walls of the Old North Church for visitors and future generations to appreciate.
Corrine Long and Pocobene carefully tended to the angels that graced the church. The team utilized a solvent gel to gently soften the layers before meticulously removing them with a plastic scraper. Using cotton swabs, they diligently cleaned the angels and skillfully retouched them to conceal or eliminate any visible damage as effectively as possible.
“They all possess their own unique character – they are not duplicates. The artist John Gibbs painted each one individually, capturing them in various poses, creating a truly remarkable rhythmic pattern across the church’s surface,” explained Pocobene.
Unveiling something that the church founders initially intended for worshippers to behold was a deeply gratifying moment for Long. “Whenever I enter a historic building, I am awestruck by the presence of the original paintings and decorations. When they have been painted over with white, some of that grandeur and history is lost,” she expressed.
