Howard Angel Preservation

Before Treatment

The marble angel was soiled, marred by gypsum deposits, and exhibited minor cracks and material losses to the toes, nose, right hand, left finger, and right wing. These conditions were both visually distracting and could lead to future deterioration.

Treatment

Conservators cleaned the angel in a series of stages. They began with the mildest solutions and utilized more aggressive formulas as needed. Cleaning improved the surface appearance of the angel by removing dirt and debris. It also dislodged organic growth within the marble.

Stone consolidation was achieved by applying a liquid solution that penetrated the marble to form chemical and physical bonds designed to strengthen the stone while still allowing it to “breathe.”

The conservators cleaned cracks with compressed air and pressurized water. The cracks were injected with grout blended with marble dust. The fill was then tooled flush to match adjoining contours and textures.

The conservators also repaired small areas of losses, most noticeably to the nose. Missing details were replaced with a composite material specifically designed for patching marble. After creating a model of the angel’s face, they designed a “new” nose based on remaining evidence and comparisons to other female statues at Cedar Hill.

The Monument

Mark Howard commissioned New England Granite Works to create the monument for his large lot on Section 5. The 18-foot tall, red Westerly granite pyramid exemplifies the Victorian taste for Egyptian style and ornamentation. Fashionable throughout the 19th century and into the 1920s, the style incorporated motifs and imagery of ancient Egypt. The pagan origins of the pyramid, which referenced the sun god Ra, aroused some concern amongst religious groups. As a result, pyramids in American cemeteries often include Christian symbols, commonly angels.

icon-monument

Mark Howard (1817-1887)

Mark Howard was a successful insurance executive. He is most noted for proposing a dual responsibility system. He was also active in politics. He is credited with helping to establish the Republican Party in Connecticut. After organizing a system for collections, Abraham Lincoln appointed Howard the state’s first internal revenue collector. Howard also made considerable profits in western land deals.

Thank you to the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation and Monument Fund donors for underwriting this project.

icon-monument

Mark Howard (1817-1887)

Mark Howard was a successful insurance executive. He is most noted for proposing a dual responsibility system. He was also active in politics. He is credited with helping to establish the Republican Party in Connecticut. After organizing a system for collections, Abraham Lincoln appointed Howard the state’s first internal revenue collector. Howard also made considerable profits in western land deals.

Thank you to the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation and Monument Fund donors for underwriting this project.

icon-monument-fund

Monument Fund

The Foundation raises funds to preserve Cedar Hill Cemetery’s historic memorials.
To learn more about our preservation activities visit our Monument Fund page.

VISIT THE MONUMENT FUND PAGE