Crick Smith
Statue of St. Dunstan: The Company of Goldsmiths
Representing the Patron Saint of the Company of Goldsmiths, this rare gilt-wood 18th century statue of St Dunstan once decorated the Company’s ceremonial barge.
Now showing signs of wear and damage, the statue was examined by Crick Smith to investigate its overall condition and to analyse the decorative treatments to the statue. This assessment showed that there was a large crack running through the back of the statue, and that the left hand had been re-modelled in the past.
Analysis of small paint fragments showed that the statue was originally entirely gilded, with several subsequent re-gildings. Analysis revealed the current surface to be gold oil paint. with some details picked out in red and green; this was a modern interpretation, with no historic precedent.
The statue was conserved to ensure its long term stability, and the left hand re-modelled to provide a sympathetic reconstruction. The statue was then entirely re-gilded using 24 carat gold leaf to replicate its original appearance.
A bespoke plinth was commissioned, with the intention of decorating in a trompe l'oeil marble finish.
Once completed, the statue was re-displayed in the Entrance of the Goldsmiths' Hall.
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