The Potato Head of Palencia
November 13 2020
Picture: npr.org
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The 'Potato Head of Palencia' in Spain is the most recent bodged conservation job that is spreading through the news. Dating to the twentieth century, the recent 'restoration' of a plaster figure on a building facade has been ridiculed by the public and professionals alike. Conservation bodies in Spain have highlighted this as a good reason why licenses should be introduced for companies involved in such work.
As a side-note, hand moulded decorative plasterwork is understandably one of the most complex mediums. Despite this fact, there are a few impressive craftsmen and artists working in this medium today. This includes Geoffrey Preston who created this outstanding brand new ceiling for a private house in Devon a few years ago.
