Glazed Ceramic Sculptures of a Girl and a Boy with Vases
Restored in 2024
Material: Glazed Ceramic
Dimensions: 150 cm (height), 70 cm (width), 70 cm (depth)
Author of the restored monument: RAKO
Date: 1907
Origin: Czech Republic
Location: Facade of Česká Pojišťovna building, Spálená Street, Prague
Restorer: MgA. Klára Žán Valentová
Collaboration: MgA. Magdalena Kracík Štorkánová, Ph.D. Art and Craft Mozaika z.s.
Research and Consultation: Ing. Petr Kuneš Ph.D.
The glazed ceramic sculptures on the façade of the former First Czech Mutual Insurance Company in Prague underwent a comprehensive conservation intervention, ensuring their stabilization and protection for future generations. The investigation revealed extensive damage, including cracks, degraded additions from previous repairs, and inappropriate concrete fillings inside the vases, which caused tension and further material destruction.
During the restoration process, unsuitable materials were removed, and the sculptures underwent gentle mechanical and chemical cleaning. The cracks were reinforced with special consolidation agents. Missing parts were reconstructed with a focus on longevity and reversibility of the interventions. Modern UV-stable materials were used for color retouching, which closely mimic the original gloss of the glazes.
As part of the restoration, protective lids were also created for the vases using a special cement-based material with fiberglass, resistant to weathering. The conservation work not only restored the sculptures’ original aesthetic expression but, most importantly, ensured their long-term stability and protection from further degradation.