The staff of the small figure in the hand of the Patriotism statue was inspected at close quarters. It was decided that this short staff appeared to be that which was originally intended so no repairs or replacements were carried out.

The existing green and black/brown naturally formed patina on the statue and bronze insignia and plaques (illustrated at the foot of the page) was over-patinated using traditional materials and methods.

Following the patination, the bronze elements were warmed then coated with clear microcrystalline wax. Three coats of wax were applied. When cool the surface was hand buffed with soft bristle brushes and lint free cloths. Tinted hard wax was used to fill the holes and porosity in the casting to prevent water entering the bronze.

The large lettering forming the dedications on the front of the plinth was repainted black.

All loose lime mortar and previously repaired areas now failing were raked out and the exposed joints cleaned of loose material. Lime mortar repairs were made to joints and areas of damage. A standard soft hydraulic lime mortar was used, colour matched to the existing sound mortar.

The railings were in reasonable condition but required the replacement of missing finials on the pilasters.

After conservation

The paint surface was in need of maintenance painting. We copied and replaced 15 missing small cast iron finials, attached by threading them into the railing crest as originally fitted and cross-pinned to prevent easy removal. Any exposed iron on the railings was wire brushed to remove any loose rust; the existing paintwork was well rubbed down removing any damaged paintwork and to prove a surface key for repainting. Exposed iron was spot treated with two coats of Red Oxide Primer followed by a full topcoat painting, using Professional Black Gloss (external quality).