Angels uncovered in historic Boston church tied to Revolutionary War
- Restoration work has uncovered eight painted angels at Boston's Old North Church, hidden for over a century.
- The angels were originally painted around 1730, representing a significant aspect of the church's colorful interior.
- The discovery highlights the church's rich history as a landmark from the Revolutionary War and its dual role in American heritage.
In Boston, a significant revelation occurred at the Old North Church where restorers uncovered eight painted angels hidden beneath layers of paint for over a century. The angels, which are characterized by their round, childlike faces and wings, were originally painted around 1730 and represented a vibrant aspect of the church's interior, which had been obscured by a 1912 renovation that applied thick white paint. When restorers began the project six months ago, they were unaware of the treasures that lay beneath the paint, leading to an exciting discovery process. The Old North Church, renowned for its association with Paul Revere's midnight ride in 1775, has a rich history integral to American heritage. As the church approaches the 250th anniversary of Revere's ride, there is a renewed focus on raising awareness about its origins in 1723 and its dual history as both a symbol of liberty and a place connected to the slave trade, with many early congregants profiting from it. This dual history, combined with newly uncovered artwork, offers a unique perspective on the church's past. The restoration team employed meticulous methods to carefully remove seven layers of paint that had concealed the angels. The process involved using a solvent gel to soften the paint before scraping it off with a plastic tool to avoid damage. Once the layers were removed, the conservators gently cleaned the angels and then performed retouching to restore any signs of wear. Each angel was found to have unique characteristics, emphasizing the individuality of the original artistry by John Gibbs, a congregation member responsible for the paintings. This restoration project has not only revealed hidden artworks but has also prompted discussions on the church's original colorful decor, which was markedly different from the austere appearance it presents today. The project aims to bring back the vibrancy of the interior and educational opportunities for visitors to understand the church's complete historical significance while appreciating the artistry that has been hidden for so long.