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The contemporary stage. Extensive restoration work in 2009-2010 Since then, the staircase was not repaired for forty years. In 2009, extensive restoration work was conducted. Six floors of grand wooden scaffolding, twenty meters in height (the scaffolding was not attached to the walls, therefore, could not damage them) provided "shelter" to a wide variety of masters. The unusual variety of types of decor on the staircase - columns, mirrors, statutes, fanciful gilded molding, the huge ceiling light, created by Italian painters - all of it required serious restoration. At least sixty people simultaneously worked on the scaffolding around the clock. The basis for the restoration work is the design blueprints from past ages, watercolours and historical photographs. Vladimir Vladimirovich Efimov, deputy head of the Department of the History and Restoration of Architectural Landmarks, described the scale of the work, "Extensive restoration will be conducted. The ceiling lamp, the painting on the borders, marble details and the gilding will be restored selectively, based on where they are damaged. Contemporary restoration methods will be used, for example, the dents in the marble are being restored with contemporary materials that are practically undistinguishable from the stone." In 2009, work was conducted on the staircase, and in 2010, the lighting in the Jordan Gallery was renewed. It is interesting to note that the Phillips company participated in the project, a company with which the Hermitage has been working for more than a century; the first contract was concluded 112 years ago. At that time, Phillips delivered 50 thousand carbon filament lamps, which were used for the interior illumination of the Winter Palace. The Jordan staircase has always maintained its individuality and an atmosphere of grandeur. So it was throughout its 250-year history, and so it is now. After the completion of the work, it was presented to the museum's guests in all its majesty. |
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