Preservation and Cleaning of the Statue of Sir William Nott

As a leader dedicated to Cleaning Heritage Buildings across England and Wales, we take pride in our commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage through our innovative cleaning solutions. Among our array of services, Doff Steam Cleaning stands out for its effectiveness and gentleness, making it an ideal choice for cleaning and restoring historic monuments. This case study delves into the recent project undertaken by CCWC Services: the careful cleaning of the Statue of Sir William Nott, a symbol of historical significance and communal pride in Carmarthen.

Major-General Sir William Nott, celebrated for his military exploits in the 1840s, is commemorated by a bronze statue in Nott Square, Carmarthen. Born in 1782, Nott’s career took him from Carmarthen to colonial India, where he served the East India Company with distinction. The statue, sculpted by Edward Davies and cast from guns captured in northern India, stands as a tribute to Nott’s legacy and the broader historical ties between Carmarthen and the British colonial efforts in India.

The statue, exposed to the natural elements and the wear of time, accumulated biological matter and pollutants, necessitating a careful cleaning approach. The project’s challenge lay in cleaning the statue without damaging the bronze or diminishing its historical essence, captured in the metal from which it was cast.

CCWC Services selected Doff Steam Cleaning for this delicate task. The system’s ability to deliver superheated steam at low pressure ensures thorough cleaning without risking damage to the bronze. Moreover, the eco-friendly nature of this method aligns with the community’s values and the preservationists’ guidelines, requiring no chemicals that could harm the statue or the environment.

Cleaning Process

The cleaning began with a detailed assessment of the statue’s condition, identifying areas with significant biological growth or pollutants. The Doff system’s precise temperature and pressure controls allowed our technicians to adjust their approach for each section of the statue, ensuring a uniform clean without compromising the bronze’s integrity. The process not only restored the statue’s visual appeal but also preserved the intricate details that commemorate Sir William Nott’s contributions.

The transformation was remarkable. Before-and-after photographs capture the statue’s renewed lustre, highlighting details previously obscured by grime and biological matter. Feedback from local heritage authorities and the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the respectful and effective cleaning method employed by CCWC Services.

The successful cleaning of the Statue of Sir William Nott exemplifies CCWC Services’ dedication to heritage preservation through thoughtful and innovative cleaning solutions. Our commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural respect ensures that historical monuments continue to inspire and educate future generations.

We invite heritage bodies, local authorities, and private entities to explore how CCWC Services can contribute to the preservation of their historical monuments and buildings. Together, we can ensure that our shared heritage is not only preserved but celebrated.