Archive: February 24, 2018

The end of the road (for this year)

February 24, 2018

We have had a fantastic and fulfilling visit to Goa culminating in the most lovely celebration hosted by His Grace Filipe Neri, for the end of the first half of the level four programme. This gave me the chance to thank His Grace for hosting us yet again, Father Loiola for being our guardian angel, Father Valerian and of course Father Rector Aleixo from Rachol. I am grateful to them all for allowing us to conserve and help create a team of conservators who are remarkable not only for their dedication but foremost for their achievement. Well done to the Goa Conservation Team who have worked this year on 17 projects split between the Archbishop’s House and Rachol.

Read More

Work more work

February 7, 2018

I woke up this morning listening to the sound of rain, the air is marginally cooler as we drive to the Archbishop’s House. Part of the crew greets us, we have formed such a close knit bond that a single glance is enough to communicate one’s mood and feelings. Milena is as usual the first, followed by Sandesh today and Jo who has returned from Mumbai. I can positively say that yesterday’s very light varnishing of King Sebastian has been a milestone.

Read More

Half week and a super moon

February 1, 2018

We have all spent 48 hours in Rachol, back in dorms, back at boarding school, fabulous food and very high targets achieved. The portraits of the first Partriachs of Goa only completed in the 20th century have deteriorated to such an extent that you feel some dramatic external causes have interfered and reduced these portraits literally to a shadow of what they were.

Read More