Beginning in 2004 and continuing today, WMF has been involved in a variety of projects at Queluz. From 2004 to 2006, the Grand Canal in the garden was a special focus. Historical research was carried out and 50,000 tiles were digitally mapped to review conditions and conservation needs. Emergency repairs were undertaken, as well as necessary cleaning. (...)
Beginning in 2004 and continuing today, WMF has been involved in a variety of projects at Queluz. From 2004 to 2006, the Grand Canal in the garden was a special focus. Historical research was carried out and 50,000 tiles were digitally mapped to review conditions and conservation needs. Emergency repairs were undertaken, as well as necessary cleaning. In 2009, conservators also addressed storm damage in this region of the garden. From 2005 to 2008, marble and limestone statues and balustrades were addressed and training workshops for these conservation problems were organized, so that local artisans and workers would be well equipped to monitor the conditions over time and undertake regular maintenance. For a three-year period beginning in 2006, WMF Britain organized the conservation of lead sculpture designed by 18th century English artist John Cheere. The restoration of the remaining sculptures and fountains will be carried out in situ by Portuguese conservators including those trained in workshops organized by WMF in recent years. The conservation of the garden also involves horticultural planning and conservation. Diseased sycamore trees will be removed and plant growth will be monitored carefully along the Canal to preserve the garden design and protect the conserved areas from overgrowth that could damage fragile materials.
