Three carved stone panels in Queens Gardens have been cleaned and restored on site within the gardens as part of the major refurbishment which is well underway.
A special heritage stone repair technique has been used to clean the ‘Kenneth Carter’ reliefs; this non-abrasive cleaning method is a steam-based stone cleaning system able to achieve temperatures of 150°C to help protect the Portland Whitbed stone. The DOFF steam cleaning system offers adjustable temperature and pressure settings, making it versatile for removing various types of paint or organic matter like mosses, lichens, and algae.
Once cleaned, a lime base colour match mortar was used to complete necessary repairs.
Two further panels will be placed on the north side of the gardens later with a sixth one to be made by a stonemason.
The artworks commissioned by Sir Frederick Gibberd as part of the 1961 Masterplan included a series of sculptural reliefs by Hull School of Art tutor Kenneth Carter.
