La restauración en situaciones límite de pérdida estructural. la imponente pila bautismal renacentista de la iglesia de santa maría de ontinyent (valencia)

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a whole set of preliminary studies and treatments carried out on the emblematic renascentist baptismal font of the church of Santa Maria in the town of Ontinyent (Valencia). It is a large piece (150 cm x 160 cm x 160 cm), carved in a Carrara marble stone support, and a significant fracture of the shaft was threatening its permanence. Therefore a thorough analysis of the material and structural reinforcement system was indispensable. The treatment was carried out taking account of the difficult size, weight and location problem of the piece itself by considering the design of a mobile support structure that displaced the bowl, and elevated the whole using hydraulic devices. This allowed the intervention of the strongly fragmented shaft providing stability and solidity to the work. In addition, a reversible sacrificial structure was designed as a preventive measure, which allowed re-establishing its functionality and guaranteeing the safety of the material. In conclusion, this project has enabled the recovery of a unique work and a real example of exceptional value. The work was executed by the conservation and restoration laboratory of stone and ornamental materials of the Heritage Conservation Institute of the Polytechnic University of Valencia.