† Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

Jubilee Restoration of Icons at Holy Resurrection Church at the End of the 90’s

By Mr. Alex Harrison of Harrison Galleries in Vancouver

Harrison Restorers did the first cleaning of the icons in July 1989. It consisted of removing years of carbon deposit from candles and incense. Access was achieved by using small lifts for the tower and scaffolding for the main painting.

It was personally very enjoyable to myself to have the privilege to work on these paintings. The artist was professional in his application, drawing and design. The quality made the job so much easier and satisfactory.

The second restoration in 1999 was more involved as we removed all of the gold paint and replaced it with German leaf. Also, a new extension to the iconostasis was installed and the main painting framed with a beautiful design by Henriette Somow.

The paintings were almost as layered with carbon as before in 1989. It was apparent that funds should be put aside for re-cleaning the paintings in another ten years. Isabelle and Maria who also did the gold leaf stained the extension to the iconostasis to match the old woodwork that was also cleaned and restored.