After the NY Patrons commissioned the conservation and restoration of the cement casts of Trajan’s Column in late 2014, the casts were moved indoors for further study before conservation could begin.  It was found that the condition of the casts had been compromised by a biological deterioration, a black mold, which proved difficult to eradicate. However, a careful choice of organic oils was the successful method of cleaning.

The casts are now ready for restoration and the work will be conducted in a large outdoor hangar storage area in Santa Maria di Galeria just outside Rome. Work will be conducted under the supervision of Marble Laboratory and the relevant scientific department of the Vatican Museum.