The Trevi Fountain

The present treatment of the stone surfaces repeated all the phases of gradual cleaning used in the earlier treatment, starting with dusting and biocide treatment, followed by cleaning with brush and water and localized chemical cleaning. The amount of limestone deposit to remove mechanically was almost at the same level as 1989, but now we had more effective equipment. Inspecting the fills used in 1990 to seal joints and fractures gave us particular satisfaction: they were in excellent condition, leading us to reuse the specially formulated hydraulic mortar devised during the earlier treatment.

Ultrasound testing was carried out and compared with similar tests carried out in 1990. This showed that cracks in the wings of the horses in the two groups of Tritons had increased due to thermal expansion of the original iron supports.

This required a long and complex diagnostic study leading to a treatment involving the delicate removal of previous restoration materials, followed by the treatment and protection of the original iron.

Our biggest task, as the head company, was without doubt the coordination of the various activities and maintaining the work program schedule: in 516 days of site-work, 26 conservators and 36 skilled workmen treated 4,340 square meters of surfaces; the technical team of the Director of works was made up of 31 technicians

and officials, who planned with us a series of additional operations, which were carried out with the help of 27 different professionals. The conclusion of the treatment was appropriately celebrated with a fashion show of Fendi’s latest collection, with the models parading on a walkway suspended over the water of the basin.