Restoration in Progress for 18th-Century Angel Mural Concealed for More Than a Century at Boston’s Oldest Church
# The Revival of Old North Church: A Glimpse Into Boston’s Historic Heritage
Founded in 1723, **Old North Church** is not only the oldest remaining church in Boston but also a lasting emblem of the city’s vibrant colonial and Revolutionary War heritage. This revered location notably played a crucial part in the events leading up to the American Revolution when **Paul Revere’s midnight ride** was ushered in by two signal lanterns displayed from its steeple, alerting patriots to the movement of British forces.
Yet, beyond its historical importance associated with the foundation of the United States, the church also contains artistic gems that are now being unveiled after centuries of being hidden. Thanks to a significant restoration effort spearheaded by conservationists **Gianfranco Pocobene** and **Corrine Long**, we are observing the careful restoration of an **18th-century angel mural** that has lain beneath several layers of paint for over a hundred years.
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## The Angels of Old North Church: Hidden and Uncovered
The mural in question, created by **John Gibbs** in 1730, is a lively representation of the artistic flair of the colonial period. Gibbs, a member of the Old North Church congregation, illustrated **20 angelic figures** in lively and whimsical poses throughout the church’s interior walls. The angels were not only meticulously crafted with cherubic expressions, but also embellished in **sandstone and teal tones** to give the impression of stone sculptures.
Interestingly, this vibrant and colorful aesthetic sharply contrasted with the more austere design of Puritan worship spaces, which mirrored their serious religious beliefs. As **Emily Spence**, Associate Director of Education at Old North Illuminated, states: “For a significant portion of the church’s existence, individuals visiting would have observed those angels and the colorful interior.” This lively ambiance set Old North Church apart as a **Church of England** establishment, distinct from a Puritan meeting house.
Nevertheless, the angels faded from view in **1912**, when the mural was obscured by **seven layers of white paint** during renovations. The choice to conceal the original artwork was likely influenced by contemporary preferences for simplicity and uniform designs. With the mural hidden, much of the church’s visual character and historical essence was inadvertently lost.
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## Reviving the Angels
After more than a century, the restoration initiative is a careful and detailed endeavor. Pocobene and Long, esteemed experts in art conservation, are gradually removing the layers of paint using **solvent gels** and gently cleaning the delicate surfaces with **cotton swabs**.
“John Gibbs created them individually, and each angel is depicted in a unique pose,” Pocobene noted, highlighting how these figures contribute to a rhythmic and dynamic design throughout the space. The reemergence of their individuality and charm has revitalized interest in this historical gem.
To date, eight of the 20 angels have been revealed and restored, showcasing a glimpse of the exquisite artistry that once graced the walls. For Long, this transformation is not just visual but profoundly touching. “When it has been painted over in white, it diminishes some of that majesty and some of that history,” she remarked.
The project, ongoing with substantial funding and dedicated efforts, aims to unveil an additional **eight angels by Spring 2025**, continuing the path toward fully restoring the mural to its original splendor.
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## An Ongoing Heritage
The restoration of the angel mural transcends merely reclaiming a lost artwork—it’s about **reestablishing the church’s authentic identity and history**. Visitors can now experience a portion of what worshippers from nearly 300 years ago would have encountered: a space illuminated with light, color, and artistic expression.
Old North Church has historically served as a connection between the past and present, tying contemporary America to its colonial origins through significant historical events, from the Revolutionary War to this extensive art restoration project. This initiative solidifies its status as not only a **national landmark** but also a **cultural and artistic jewel**.
As the restoration efforts progress, they underscore the essential role of art conservation in maintaining cultural legacies. It also serves as a reminder that history is not fixed but continually reinterpreted and rediscovered. By unveiling these angels, Old North Church reconnects its guests with Boston’s 18th-century existence, merging the sacred with the artistic, and illuminating the **convergence of religion, history, and culture**.
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## Explore Old North Church and Stay Informed
Eager to discover this historic church and immerse yourself in its ongoing restoration? Old North Church invites visitors to engage with its rich history firsthand. Plus, you can keep up with their updates on social media to witness the evolution of this remarkable restoration endeavor:
– **Website**: [Old North Church](https://www.oldnorth.com/)
– **Instagram**: [@oldnorth1723](https://www.instagram.com)