05 Aug Restoring Villa Luginsland’s Wall Paintings
We are excited to share an update on the ongoing restoration of the wall paintings at Villa Luginsland, carried out in collaboration with Prevarti, specialists in art conservation and restoration.
The wall paintings, which have adorned the villa for around 150 years, form an integral part of its architectural and artistic identity. Over the decades, exposure to light, humidity, and the natural ageing of pigments and plaster has taken its toll on the artwork, making this restoration both a technical challenge and a labour of love.
The process being carried out by Prevarti includes a detailed condition assessment, careful surface cleaning to remove accumulated grime and previous retouching, structural consolidation of the plaster where needed, and precise pigment matching to restore areas of loss while remaining faithful to the original palette and brushwork. Each stage is documented photographically, allowing the team to track progress and make informed decisions at every step.
Part of what makes this restoration so delicate is the variety of techniques found across the villa. Calì’s own work was carried out in oil on stone, while other sections were painted using tempera and lime-based paints on stone. Each material behaves differently over time, and the Prevarti team has had to adapt their approach section by section to suit the specific technique and condition of each area.
What makes this project particularly meaningful is the level of respect shown toward the original artist’s technique. Rather than repainting or reinterpreting damaged sections, the Prevarti team works to stabilise and reveal what remains, ensuring the wall paintings retain their historical authenticity rather than becoming a modern reproduction.
This restoration sits alongside Luginsland of Art’s wider efforts to document and celebrate the villa’s artistic legacy, including our ongoing series exploring the work of Giuseppe Calì. Together, these projects reflect a shared belief that preserving the past is essential to shaping a meaningful cultural future.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the restoration progresses, and to eventually unveiling these decorations in their renewed state for visitors and art lovers alike.