George Palmer Bronze Statue Restoration
Reading, Berkshire
Project Overview
We were engaged to restore the iconic George Palmer bronze statue in Reading — a Grade II listed monument dating back to the 1930s. Over the decades, the statue had developed signs of aging, corrosion, and surface deterioration. Our objective was to carefully bring the monument back to its original condition, preserving its historic value and public prominence.
| Duration | 3 days |
|---|---|
| Finish Achieved | Bronze – Restored to original specification |
| Client Satisfaction | Very Happy (As confirmed in public press release) |
| Team Involved | Wojciech, Imhhamed, Daouda |
Craftsmanship and Materials
A variety of specialist materials and heritage techniques were employed in this restoration, including:
Materials Used:
Nylon pads, fine phosphor bronze brushes, Bronze Powder, decorroding gel, sulphide-based bronzing solutionsRestoration Techniques:
High-pressure steam cleaning to remove dirt, pollutants, and wax residue.
Manual gel-cleaning to thin out corrosion on the bronze layers.
Mild abrasive polishing using nylon pads and bronze brushes to harmonise the surface texture.
Patination using sulphide-based solutions to recreate the original dark bronze tone.
Finishing with three coats of Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax, flame-cured using propane torches and buffed by hand.
On-Site Challenges & Considerations
Accessing the statue required a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) and careful planning due to weather conditions and its elevated location. Furthermore, aged corrosion posed a stubborn challenge, requiring detailed manual work to gently strip and prepare the surface without compromising the integrity of the original casting.
What the Client Said
I’m delighted to see such an iconic Reading landmark gleaming again. Thanks to our expert statue cleaners for restoring this statue to its former glory, which is particularly important for us in the run-up to the completion of the new facilities.”
Final Result & Special Notes
This monument, originally cast in the 1930s, required sensitive and historically informed treatment. Our work helped safeguard its legacy and aesthetic for years to come. For those interested in its background, more history is available via the Wikipedia page for the George Palmer Statue.
We specialise in restoring architectural and sculptural metalwork with attention to historic detail and long-term preservation. If you’re working on a heritage or civic restoration, we’re ready to help.