AIC's 45th Annual Meeting

This is an opportunity to offer a complete vision of one of the latest treatments of restoration and conservation of the iconic and emblematic Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, one of the most beautiful fountains in Europe. The local government of Madrid commissioned this project, carried out by Garanza Rehabilitación S.L. After 8 weeks of treatment, 45 degrees Celcius in summer and under the watchful eyes of citizens, this has been one of the projects with greatest impact on the national media. The Cibeles Fountain, sculpted in 1781, was covered during the Civil War by the local citizens in order to protect it from the incendiary bombs of the enemy air forces, and it has been witness of the most important events in Spain, Royal Weddings, demonstrations and different social activities and, nowadays, it is the place where Real Madrid supporters celebrate their triumphs. Having been responsible of emblematic works such as principal Altarpiece Mayor in the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, or the façade of the National Library, specific products, which have been "asleep” for more than 2,000 years, have been recovered during the process by Garanza Rehabilitación S.L. The mission of Garanza Rehabilitación S.L. was to stop the deterioration of the structural materials. This civil monument was built with several sculptural elements coming from different origins and, even though the main material is purple marble (from Montesclaros), it is considered to be a puzzle of mortars and volumes which need to be balanced, fitted and conserved properly. In addition, we would like to expound the challenge that has supposed the aesthetic intervention due to unfavourable external factors and the complexity of the organoleptic characteristics of the intrinsic materials. These factors have been key points of responsible decisions and have been discussed in a sustainable and respectful way. The Cibeles Fountain is located in one of the most contaminated areas in Madrid. We will show you the dirt caused by intense road traffic, lichen and organic remains and the elimination of the embedded crust of pollution, as well as the sealing cracks and the subsequent protection against external factors of deterioration. Furthermore, with a preservative idea in mind, new measures of conservation have been established which affect the visual show offered by the fountain. The technique of the treatment carried out by the experts will be highlighted and explained together with the products used, which have been analyzed in our chemical laboratory. The Cibeles Fountain reappears as "La Diosa Governadora" in Madrid, with the aim of reserving her life for the new generations.