PAPER MACHE
RESTORATION PROCESS

Sergio Bustamante

Elephant Head

This vintage Elephant Head fell off a wall, and the 40-inch trunk and tusks broke off revealing the sculpture’s dry-rotted insides. When the owner discovered Jeff’s studio, which was previously in Chicago, he packed up all the pieces and drove from Florida to Chicago to commission the repair.

For full-size image, please click on each picture.

1
Before
Broken 40-inch trunk and tusks as well as dry rotted interior – this vintage Elephant Head needed restoration!
2
Before
The trunk was cracked in half and had to be completely rebuilt starting inside the head.
3
Before
The tusks also needed to be repaired.
4
During
An inner structure was created, so the trunk could be attached to the head again. The tusks were reattached using the same technique. Many areas needed to be re-sculpted before painting could be initiated.
5
After
The trunk was repainted to blend with the original color and detail of the Sergio Bustamante sculpture.
6
After
The restoration of this elephant trophy required a great deal of time and skill.