CONSERVATION OF THE PAINTED DECORATION ON
18TH CENTURY OAXACAN ORGAN CASES

There is a group of nearly twenty 18th century organs in Oaxaca with painted decoration on their outer cases, including several with faces painted on their façade pipes as well. So far, five of these organs have been restored (in La Soledad, Tamazulapan, Tlacochahuaya, Yanhuitlán, and Zautla) and are therefore more protected, but even some of these already require touch-up work by a professional restorer. Most of the others are protected only in the most general way (see conservation). All of the decorated organ cases are dirty and require at least a professional cleaning. In some, the paint has adhered quite well, but in others it is flaking off. 

The IOHIO will hire a professional restorer to clean and consolidate the painting on these organs. The focus however will be conservation as a protective measure rather than restoration, since a restoration would involve the entire organ, not just a part of it. Several of these organs are completely or nearly intact and do deserve a complete restoration someday. But this is not the appropriate time for such an investment, since they are located in remote areas where there is little church activity and no organists.

This project will be ongoing until all the decorated Oaxacan organs have been properly conserved. To begin this project, we have selected two instruments in the communities of San Pedro Quiatoni and Santiago Guevea de Humboldt, both of them located in the mountainous region toward the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. These organs are wonderful: both are intact, have painted face pipes, and their original keyboards.

SAN PEDRO QUIATONI (1729)

The organ was wrapped in plastic and stored on its side in a lean-to for nearly three years when the old roof of the church was completely removed for replacement. During this time, a lot of the paint flaked off, representing the original 18th century decoration and a later (unattractive) 19th century application. However, much of the original painting still remains and must be preserved.

                SANTIAGO GUEVEA DE HUMBOLDT (1745)

The sides of the organ are painted with angel musicians, but the paint is flaking off, particularly on the side nearer the window of the choir loft. This organ is most unusual because the keyboard is located on the back rather than the façade of the case. Thanks to this inaccessibility, the keyboard is in perfect condition.

The work must be carried out in the community, since by law the organs may not be removed from their churches. We have arranged with the local authorities that the IOHIO will pay the fees and travel expenses of the restorers and the cost of the materials. The community in turn will cover their food and lodging for the duration of the project.