Lorton/Laurel Hill Crucifix Removal and Restoration Work
Crucifix Removal
Fairfax County removed a life-sized, historic crucifix on December 6, 2006 from the former Lorton prison chapel for cleaning and restoration. The county was assisted in the removal by ELY, Inc., a firm that specializes in the proper handling and packaging of art and artifacts. The crucifix will remain at the ELY facilities for cleaning before being returned to Fairfax County. The County has hired Dana Moffett to perform the cleaning and restoration work while the crucifix remains at ELY's facilities.
The crucifix, which dates to approximately 1961, consists of a plaster body cast modeled after a death-row inmate, later pardoned, and a cross that was likely fashioned from timbers from the prison site. The closure of Lorton prison, in 2001, resulted in a loss of climate control in the buildings causing the 15 by 8 foot crucifix to show signs of deterioration. The removal will allow for the cleaning of the crucifix and placement in more hospitable environment. A final home for the crucifix will be determined by the county.
Crucifix Cleaning and Restoration
Dana Moffett, Objects Conservator, has completed basic cleaning and stabilization work on the crucifix. This work included the removal of ceiling plaster from the figure, a careful cleaning of the object, and adding adhesive where necessary to secure existing cracks in the object. The crucifix will be wrapped and secured for storage. The County is currently investigating the use of Fairfax County Park Authority space for temporary storage of the crucifix.
Left side of head before treatment (left photo) and after treatment (right photo)
Left arm before treatment (left photo) and after treatment (right photo)
(before and after photos courtesy of Dana Moffett)