Sculptor and stone carver Kevin William Fehlenberg replaced the head of a 100 year old stone statue, which was based off of the ancient Greek bronze Charioteer of Delphi. The statue is located at the entrance of University of Illinois' Allerton Park, an early 20th century mansion and property. During an attempted theft, the head was shattered beyond repair. Kevin used traditional stone carving methods to replicate the original head. The University of Illinois requested that Fehlenberg carve the sculpture to a high level of detail so it would look as it originally did in 1924. Kevin looked at the original bronze charioteer to help piece together what was missing from the worn and broken stone head. This presentation is a photo essay documenting the restoration process.

1. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
CHARIOTEER OF DELPHI
RESTORATION PROJECT
- ROBERT ALLERTON PARK -
Sculptor / stone carver:
Kevin William Fehlenberg
Company:
Original Handmade Sculpture by Kevin
Williams Art
Website: www.OriginalHandmadeSculpture.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-williamfehlenberg/78/ab9/504/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/OriginalHandmadeSculpture
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kevinfehlenberg/

2. ORIGINAL LOOK OF CHARIOTEER
Prior to vandalism and covered by a heavy natural patina, which had been
developing since the statue was first installed in 1924.

3. THE DAMAGE
The statue's head shattered when vandals hit this metal rod while trying to
saw the neck.

4. THE DAMAGE
Kevin Fehlenberg took a mold of the statue’s neck to ensure that the new
head would fit perfectly.

5. THE DAMAGE
The University of Illinois attempted to have the head fixed but it was
shattered beyond repair.

6. THE CARVING PROCESS
Fehlenberg started with a solid block of Indiana Limestone.

7. THE CARVING PROCESS
Fehlenberg measured the high points on the original head, marked his
stone, and began to remove excess material.

8. THE CARVING PROCESS
Fehlenberg first finished the nose, mouth and chin before finishing the eyes.

9. THE CARVING PROCESS
With the face finished, and no flaws on the critical features, Fehlenberg now
safely works his way around toward the back of the sculpture.

10. THE CARVING PROCESS
Where the damage was too severe to decipher the sculptural details,
Fehlenberg looked to the original Greek bronze statue to guide him.

11. THE FINAL DETAILS
The University of Illinois requested that Fehlenberg carve the sculpture to a
high level of detail so it would look as it originally did in 1924.

12. THE INSTALLATION
Fehlenberg was careful to match the neckline of the head to that of the
uneven, badly damaged body exactly.

13. THE INSTALLATION
After the University of Illinois cleans the statue’s body, Fehlenberg will
return to color match the stone by adding a patina to the head and joint.

14. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The following are resources where you can find more photos and
information about this restoration project:
www.originalhandmadesculpture.com/stone-restoration
www.pinterest.com/kevinfehlenberg
www.restorationtradesdirectory.com/node/594
Or contact Original Handmade Sculpture by Kevin Williams at 847-502-8602