Conservators are currently undertaking a fascinating project to restore colorful angels that were painted nearly 300 years ago at Boston’s Old North Church. This historic house of worship, founded in 1723 in the North End neighborhood, is the oldest surviving church building in Boston. Back in the colonial era, the Old North Church’s congregants were Anglicans, a minority compared to the Puritans who inhabited the city.
Around 1730, a talented congregation member named John Gibbs was commissioned to paint 16 angels on the interior upper arches of the church. Gibbs also adorned the organ case and an altar panel with his angelic creations. Reverend Matthew Cadwell, the church’s vicar, describes how the church would have been a stark contrast to any Puritan establishment with angels adorning every corner.
For over 180 years, these beautiful angels graced the walls of the Old North Church until 1912 when they were inexplicably covered up with layers of thick white paint. These angels stood witness to historic events such as Paul Revere’s midnight ride during which lanterns were hung from the church’s tower to warn of the approaching British army.
The church’s interior was painted white during the early 20th century, possibly as part of a colonial revival aesthetic trend. Now, as the 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride approaches, conservators are diligently working to uncover and restore these hidden angels. The project, which costs $465,000, aims to bring back a piece of history and provide visitors with a glimpse of the church as it was in Paul Revere’s time.
The restoration process has been meticulous, with conservators carefully removing seven layers of paint to reveal the intricate details of each angel. Gianfranco Pocobene, a conservator involved in the project, notes that each figure has its own unique character, with different poses that create a rhythmic pattern across the church’s surface.
This ongoing restoration not only preserves the historic significance of the Old North Church but also deepens our understanding of its religious and artistic heritage. The angels, once hidden from view, are now being brought back to life, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich history and craftsmanship of this iconic Boston landmark.
