Conserving War Memorials Case Study: The Surface Treatment of Bronze Statuary

This document describes the treatment undertaken to the surfaces of the bronze statues and plaques on the Grade-II listed Bootle War Memorial. Over time, the bronze surfaces had developed a green patina due to the failure of the original protective wax coatings, an issue that is fairly common on outdoor bronzes. A specification was made for treatment that was both ethical and achievable, and which respected the object’s history whilst ensuring the that the bronze elements were placed into an excellent structural and visual condition, which could thereafter be regularly and economically maintained.

This guidance is intended for those designing, specifying and undertaking conservation and repair work to free standing war memorials, such as architects, building surveyors, structural engineers, project managers, contractors, craftspeople, and conservators. It will also be of interest to those responsible for making decisions, such as local authority conservation officers, custodians or volunteer groups. It also indicates where to get further help and advice.

This guidance forms part of a series of resources produced by Historic England, to coincide with the centenary of the First World War. This series covers the overall approach to caring for these memorials, as well as some of the more poorly understood technical aspects. It includes:

• guidance on how to record, repair, conserve, maintain and protect these unique monuments for future generations: The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials and Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes
• short technical advice notes covering inscriptions, structural problems and repairs and maintenance
• case studies on conservation options for specific war memorial issues
• films on technical aspects of war memorial conservation