Angels are getting their wings — again. Mural conservators at Boston's Old North Church are working diligently to restore 20 angels hidden for over a century beneath layers of paint. This significant project is especially poignant as it coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s historic ride.
Gianfranco Pocobene, one of the leading conservators, has been tirelessly removing the layers of paint to reveal the angels, which were originally painted around 1730. These charming figures, characterized by their round, almost childlike features and wings, used to be one of the church's defining elements until they were plastered over with thick coats of white paint in 1912. "For much of the church's history, people who worshiped here would have seen those angels, would have seen the colorful interior," explained Emily Spence, the associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, the organization operating the church as a notable historic site.
Old North Church, where Revere was once the bell ringer as a teenager, holds several layers of historical significance. It served as more than just a place of worship; it was recognized as a landmark for liberty, with ties to slavery, as many attendees benefited from the slave trade early on. The angels, painted by congregation member John Gibbs, had faded from view but were meant to be seen and appreciated by the parishioners. While they were obscured for over 100 years, restoration efforts are rectifying this oversight.
This restoration task is no simple feat. Seven layers of paint concealed the vibrant murals, presenting numerous challenges to the conservators. Corrine Long, who is also working alongside Pocobene, mentioned the difficulty of the task: “One of the biggest challenges was removing those layers without damaging the angels.” To tackle this, the team employs solvent gel to soften the layers of paint before carefully scraping them away with plastic tools. Cotton swabs are used for detailing, ensuring the angels are as pristine as possible as they come back to life.
Until recently, no one had seen these works of art for years. The restoration project began gaining momentum when the first set of eight angels was revealed, and the excitement spread quickly. Pocobene remarked, "It's really been quite the reveal to find these unique pieces that's been hidden for so long. Just to be part of this project where we are rediscovering something from colonial America is extraordinary.”
With eight additional angels expected to surface by spring 2024, anticipation is building among both church-goers and visitors. Spence emphasized the angels' cultural significance, explaining, “The color scheme was integral to the church's identity for the congregation.” The colorful representations provided by Gibbs were intended to enrich the worshipping community’s experience and connection to their church.
The importance of this project extends beyond the visual delight it brings. It also serves as a window to the past, restoring the church's intended ambiance by returning components the founders originally wanted congregants to experience. Corrine Long noted her satisfaction with the process, reflecting, “Whenever I go to historical buildings, it amazes me to be surrounded by original decorations. When those are repainted to white, it dilutes the majesty.”
The project has captured the interest of local visitors. Tourists Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California shared their feelings upon encountering the scaffolding at the church, readying for its big reveal. Dixon expressed excitement, saying, “I was kind of shocked when I first saw it. It looks really cool, and I’m really excited to see the full picture once the scaffolding is down.”
With each angel uncovered, there’s not just art being restored but also threads of history being woven back together. The Old North Church stands tall as not only Boston’s oldest church but also as an icon of the American spirit, tied to Revere's midnight ride and significant events leading to the nation’s independence.
While the angels may have been hidden for decades, their return is set to illuminate the church’s unique narrative and remind all visitors of the vibrant legacy embedded within its walls.
