The announcement comes after the Government of Aragon received official notification from the MNAC "late yesterday morning" that dismantling work would begin at the National Art Museum of Catalonia on November 17. "Dismantling work will begin behind closed doors in Room 17, which houses these secular paintings, and will be supervised by technicians and representatives of the Government of Aragon," Olloqui said.
Starting November 17, two lines of work will be carried out in parallel. The first will involve consolidating the paintings’ micro-detachments. "This work is particularly sensitive because it is also a pilot test for how the work in the Chapter House will be carried out, dispelling the fear surrounding the intervention," the director general acknowledged.
"We will work jointly with the MNAC technicians and those from the contracted company, SIT. We received that letter in a constructive tone, so we view the process that is beginning positively," Olloqui said.
At the same time, "specialized and specific" packaging will be manufactured using insulating foams and "technical components to guarantee safety during transport." Consolidation and packaging work will be completed on November 30. The final phase will then begin: transporting the paintings to the Sijena Monastery.
Olloqui announced that the Government of Aragon will hold a press appearance next week to report on the condition of the secular paintings and the procedure to be followed. It will address their reception and temporary installation for the restoration process, the study work to "detail" and "deepen" knowledge of the secular paintings, the rehabilitation work and the installation project.
