Second phase of emergency cleaning work wraps up in Georgian cave monastery after fire

Moscow, April 4, 2017

Photo: Blagovest

As previously reported, a candle left burning in the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the Vardzia Monastery cave complex on the night of October 31, 2016 resulted in soot partially covering a unique twelfth-century fresco.

The second phase of the cleaning process, which began soon after the fire, has now been completed, reports Blagovest. The twelfth-thirteenth century monastery complex in southeastern Georgia is one of the country’s most unique landscapes. It was one of the most beloved residences of the great Queen Tamar (+ 1213).

Given the high degree of damage, it was decided to carry out the work in several stages. “At present, the first and second stages of work have been finished, including the full cleaning of the wall paintings from soot. The third and final stage is scheduled,” reads a message from the National Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. During the work, the temperature inside the church is being controlled, and everything is being extensively recorded in writing and in photographs.

The work began with an assessment of the situation by a group of restorers and wall-painting-preservation specialists from the Academy of Arts, in collaboration with London’s Courtauld Institute of Art. A number of tests were conducted, and a detailed plan was laid out, which is nearing completion.