Large monument cleaning in Helsby Cemetery

About the project

In the summer of 2023, our grave tending service was commissioned by Thomas Wilson, a resident of Frodsham, Cheshire, to undertake a comprehensive cleaning and restoration of a large family monument in Helsby Cemetery. The monument, which marked the graves of multiple generations of the Wilson family, had fallen into disrepair after years of exposure to the elements. Overgrown moss, lichen, and environmental pollutants had obscured the intricate details of the stonework and inscriptions, diminishing the monument's visual impact and historical significance.

Thomas Wilson had a strong emotional attachment to the site, as it symbolized his family's legacy, and he was deeply concerned about the state of the monument. He sought our services to restore it to its former glory, ensuring that it would remain a respectful and beautiful tribute to his ancestors for years to come. The project was a major undertaking, not only because of the size of the monument but also because of its historical significance and the delicate nature of the stonework involved.

The monument itself, approximately 8 feet tall and adorned with intricate carvings and epitaphs, had stood in Helsby Cemetery for over 150 years. The stone had weathered considerably, and the inscriptions had become almost illegible. Thomas’s primary goal was to clean the structure thoroughly while preserving its original character, so the job required a balance between careful restoration and effective cleaning techniques.

Challenges & solutions

One of the major challenges in this project was the sheer size of the monument. Its height and the complex stone carvings made it difficult to access and clean properly. Additionally, the nature of the stone posed a challenge; it was a porous type of limestone that had been worn down by decades of wind, rain, and organic growth. This required a specialized approach to avoid damaging the already weakened surface.

Our team tackled these issues in a methodical and professional manner.

1. Access and Safety: The first challenge was accessing the higher portions of the monument safely. We used scaffolding and harnesses to ensure the team could reach all areas without compromising their safety or damaging the monument. A key focus was to ensure that we could maintain a stable structure around the monument throughout the cleaning process.
2. Stone Sensitivity: Limestone, being highly porous, can suffer from irreversible damage if harsh chemicals or high-pressure cleaning methods are used. After assessing the condition of the stone, we decided to use a low-pressure steam cleaning technique. This method, known as DOFF cleaning, uses superheated steam to gently lift and remove surface dirt, algae, and pollutants without penetrating the stone deeply or causing any harm. This approach was essential for removing decades of grime while preserving the integrity of the monument.
3. Environmental Growth: One of the most persistent problems was the overgrowth of moss and lichen, which had taken root in the monument’s crevices. Left untreated, these organic materials can degrade the stone over time. We used a specially formulated biocide that is safe for historical stonework. This solution eliminated the moss and lichen without the need for harsh scrubbing, which could have further eroded the stone.
4. Inscriptions Restoration: The inscriptions on the monument, though beautiful, had become nearly illegible due to the accumulation of dirt and environmental wear. To carefully restore these without damaging the stone, we applied a delicate brush technique combined with a soft rinse. This allowed us to clean out the grooves of the lettering without compromising the depth or clarity of the inscriptions.
5. Weather Considerations: Working in an outdoor setting like Helsby Cemetery meant that we were subject to unpredictable weather conditions. To mitigate the effects of rain or high winds, we scheduled the work in phases over several weeks, allowing for breaks during inclement weather and ensuring that the stone was treated properly under the right conditions.

Outcome and Client Feedback

The monument was successfully restored over a two-week period, with staggered work days to accommodate the changing weather. The low-pressure steam cleaning and biocide treatment worked effectively, revealing the original beauty of the stone without any damage. The intricate carvings and inscriptions were brought back to life, with even the finest details of the craftsmanship now visible.

Thomas Wilson was exceptionally pleased with the results. He commented that the monument looked “better than I ever imagined it could,” and expressed deep gratitude for the care and professionalism shown by our team throughout the process. He particularly appreciated that we had preserved the historical integrity of the monument, ensuring that it was cleaned but not overly altered.

In his words:

"This monument means everything to my family, and I was worried about finding someone who would understand that. The team did an incredible job; they treated the stone with the respect it deserves, and now it looks like it did over a century ago. I couldn't be happier with the outcome."

The restoration not only rejuvenated the monument’s appearance but also reinforced its structural stability, ensuring that it will remain a cherished site for future generations of the Wilson family. Following the project, Thomas opted to sign up for our quarterly grave tending subscription to ensure the monument continues to receive regular care and attention.

This project was a testament to the importance of combining traditional techniques with modern cleaning methods, and it stands as one of our most fulfilling projects to date.

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