Ricardo Severo Palace

Restoration of Ricardo Severo Palace

The works show some broken glass, as well as highly carbonated lead. This is one of the major problems with these panels, as the lead forms their structure, and reinforcements will be necessary to maintain their integrity. Some replicas will need to be made due to the total loss of certain pieces. In general, these stained glass panels are in good condition but show a high level of oxidation. The panels with the three figures on the interior doors show detachment of the blue pigment that was originally present on all the plants. This demonstrates the relative humidity that existed constantly inside the building, as well as cleaning processes that may have been overly aggressive for the panels.

  • Disassembly of the panels
  • Numbering the panels
  • Transport to the workshop
  • Detailed photographic documentation
  • Chemical cleaning
  • Mechanical cleaning
  • Opening the panels in necessary areas to remove and glue broken glass, performing a complete cleaning of the putty. If gluing directly in place is not possible, alternative methods will be used.
  • Identifying lead fractures and performing localized lead replacements if necessary (considering the level of degradation of some panels, this may account for 10% to 30% to restore the panels' structure and integrity)
  • Cleaning welds and reinforcing those that require it
  • Reassembly of the panels
  • Application of putty similar to the original
  • Installation of the panels

Regarding the artist Antoni Rigalt, he was born in Barcelona in 1850 and studied at the Barcelona School of Fine Arts between 1861 and 1869, where he later became a professor. Before that, he excelled as a stained glass artist, being considered by many as one of the most remarkable artists of the modernist period. He carried out highly significant works, such as the Palau de la Música Catalana, as well as projects in collaboration with Gaudí.

We can confirm that works from his studio are identified by the signature 'A. Rigalt y Cª,' meaning 'Antoni Rigalt and Company.' The work we present here holds great value for Portuguese heritage, as it is a creation of one of the greatest stained glass artists of his time. Names like Antoni Rigalt are extremely rare on a national level, and so far, no parallel by this artist is known in Portugal. However, it is possible that examples exist in similar palaces, considering Rigalt's prestige as a stained glass artist during his era.