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Restoration Breathes New Life into Saint Joseph statue

Published on: 28 March 2025

MacKillop College is delighted to announce the successful restoration of our cherished statue of Saint Joseph and baby Jesus, which has long stood as a symbol of our Josephite heritage outside the Josephite Complex.

The college engaged the expertise of International Conservation Services (ICS), a leader in cultural heritage conservation, to undertake this delicate project. The restoration process, led by Jura Stanek, Senior Conservation Projects Manager at ICS, has breathed new life into this important piece of our college’s history.

Comprehensive Restoration Process

The statue was carefully transported to ICS’s state-of-the-art laboratory, where it underwent a thorough conservation treatment. The process revealed the extent of damage that had occurred over time:

  • The peeling painted surface was carefully stripped away.
  • Significant cracks were discovered throughout the figure.
  • Weather damage had affected the structural iron within the statue.

Mr. Stanek and his team approached the restoration with meticulous care:

  1. The iron structure was cleaned and treated for corrosion.
  2. Losses to the statue were filled and remodelled with skill and precision.
  3. A mineral silicate paint was applied to protect and beautify the entire statue.

A Triumphant Return

The restored statue has now been returned to its rightful place outside the Josephite Complex. The transformation is truly remarkable, with the figure of Saint Joseph and baby Jesus restored to its original beauty and structural integrity.

The college community is thrilled with the results. This restoration not only preserves an important piece of our heritage but also ensures that future generations of students will be able to appreciate the statue’s significance to our Josephite tradition.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to International Conservation Services for their exceptional work and dedication to preserving our cultural heritage. Their expertise has ensured that this beloved statue will continue to inspire and welcome our community for years to come.