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Conserving the treasures that tell our story

Updated: Sep 23


Pamela Hatchfield and Bill Remsen assessing the condition of the lantern on the Eyrie Path; Japan, Edo period (1615-1868), 18th – 19th century, Granite.
Pamela Hatchfield and Bill Remsen assessing the condition of the lantern on the Eyrie Path; Japan, Edo period (1615-1868), 18th – 19th century, Granite.

Amid the beauty of the gardens and landscapes, the Preserve is home to a collection of treasured objects—stonework, East Asian sculpture, planters, and ornaments—that embody the history and spirit of place. Some are centuries old and have weathered the elements their entire lives. Just as our plants and landscapes require attentive care, these cultural pieces need expert conservation to endure for future generations. 


The Preserve conducted a comprehensive assessment of these objects last season at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, guided by Board Director Pamela Hatchfield, a practicing conservator since the 1980s with experience at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Villa La Pietra in Florence. This year, Bill Remsen, architect and architectural conservator, joined Pam, along with Cassie Banning, Director of Farm & Gardens, and Doug Hopkins, retired Greenrock Manager. Together, the team documented the condition and installation of larger sculptures, evaluated their structural stability, and offered intervention and stewardship recommendations that are now being prioritized and budgeted to be accomplished in the years ahead. 


Pam tests waxes to help to preserve the beauty of the Buddha on the East Hill. China, late Ming or early Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 17th century. Gilt bronze.
Pam tests waxes to help to preserve the beauty of the Buddha on the East Hill. China, late Ming or early Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 17th century. Gilt bronze.

"I am so pleased to be a part of the team actively working toward understanding and preserving the objects found in in our landscapes,” said Cassie. “It has been a pleasure learning from such a talented group of experts." 


Pam and Bill excavating to determine the nature of the footing of the granite statue on the Spirit Path; Korea, Yi dynasty (1392-1910), 17th-18th century.
Pam and Bill excavating to determine the nature of the footing of the granite statue on the Spirit Path; Korea, Yi dynasty (1392-1910), 17th-18th century.

Early steps have already been taken. New granite bases and lead spacers lift some smaller sculptures above planting beds, reducing their contact with moisture from soil and irrigation. Other interventions will include discouraging moss and lichens that trap water and can damage stone surfaces, and establishing a regular cleaning and waxing schedule to protect bronze works from corrosion.  


Luohan statue above before (on the left) and after (on the right) treatment of stains caused by hemlock needletannins. Luohan Batuoluo with a Tiger Cub (replica); Original from China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), 2nd century. Inscription dated in accordance with A.D. 1158. White micaceous marble.
Luohan statue above before (on the left) and after (on the right) treatment of stains caused by hemlock needletannins. Luohan Batuoluo with a Tiger Cub (replica); Original from China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), 2nd century. Inscription dated in accordance with A.D. 1158. White micaceous marble.

Even small measures, like gently removing round stains caused by the tannins in the hemlock needles that have fallen on a marble Luohan figure, help preserve both beauty and integrity as this sculpture continues to age in the landscape. 


This spring, the team paid particular attention to pieces most at risk. The marble Fruit Ornaments atop the East Gate at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden are showing accelerated deterioration and instability. The two large pagodas, each made up of seven to nine distinct carved stone pieces, will need to be stabilized, and due to cracks, a few of their pieces may need to be replicated. Meanwhile, as the team researches the best plan to conserve these sculptures, the two smaller stupa pillars will be carefully stabilized this fall. 


These conservation efforts reflect the Preserve’s commitment to stewardship in all its forms. By investing in the care of these cultural treasures—granite Korean figures, marble ornaments, bronze Buddhas, and more—we ensure that the artistry and stories they hold remain central to the visitor experience for many years to come. 


The pair of marble Fruit Ornaments on the East Gate pillars has loose granite particles, which will cause the sculptural details to be lost over time. Preserving these sculptures is a priority project. China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Stone. Photograph by Nikolai Fox.
The pair of marble Fruit Ornaments on the East Gate pillars has loose granite particles, which will cause the sculptural details to be lost over time. Preserving these sculptures is a priority project. China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Stone. Photograph by Nikolai Fox.

By Kathryn Strand, Director of Development & Communications, Cassie Banning, Director of Farm & Gardens, Pam Hatchfield, Preserve Board Director 



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