Restoration of the Urban Metallic Heritage: the sculpture of the Rotary Flame of the city of Valencia

Abstract

The location of urban metallic heritage on public roads is especially important in its conservation, as it suffers not only from high exposure to weather changes and air pollution, as well as anthropic actions. In this work we present the process of documentation and emergency restoration of the sculpture Flama Rotaria in Valencia, a stainless-steel work by the artist Vicente Ferrán, given by the Rotary Club for its installation in 1983. In 2020, it was seriously damaged due to an attempted theft in order to
sell it by weight as material. 
The study and restoration methodology is developed from an interdisciplinary approach, since we consider both its history and its urban environment, including 3D photogrammetric documentation. The first stage consisted in its reposition and welding to its original position. In the second stage we carried out a mechanical-chemical cleaning, an oxidation microdots treatment, and chromatic reintegration.
Finally, we applied a double layer of protection and polished its surface. In parallel, we worked on the pedestal in two different approaches. In the hidden part, the water evacuation system was restructured, while in the visible part, improper elements were removed, missing parts were reconstructed, and the inscription was outlined.
The result has allowed the sculpture to return to its original position and state. Likewise, taking into account the risk of vandalism to which it is exposed, its structural fixation has been reinforced. Finally, it has allowed to deepen the knowledge of the piece, favoring the understanding of its urban environment and guaranteeing its safeguard in case of destruction of the original.