Tehran’s Arnaldo Pomodoro Bronze Sphere: Restoration of Iconic 3-Ton Sculpture in Progress
In northern Tehran, a significant conservation project has commenced on a remarkable 3,000-kilogram bronze sculpture by the renowned late Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This restoration effort, which started two weeks ago, is taking place at the Time Museum in Tehran’s Zaferaniyeh district. The sculpture, known as Sfera di Pomodoro, has been a part of Tehran’s Eram Park since 1978 and has unfortunately suffered various environmental and surface damages over the years, according to expert assessments.
Manijeh Hadian-Dehkordi, a conservation scientist and faculty member at the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, shared insights with the Tehran Times regarding the restoration timeline. She indicated that the project is anticipated to take around 14 weeks. “The sculpture had been exposed to years of environmental degradation, including air pollution and unprofessional cleaning efforts,” she noted.
One of the unique aspects of this restoration is that visitors to the Time Museum will have the opportunity to observe the entire process through a transparent, on-site conservation workshop.
“The bronze sphere, constructed from a copper alloy, is one of three Pomodoro works in Iran,” Hadian-Dehkordi explained. The largest of these works resides at the Time Museum, while the other two include a piece at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and a miniature, 30-centimeter model located at the Niavaran Palace complex. Additionally, a Pomodoro column sculpture is also situated at Niavaran.
The Sfera di Pomodoro, created in 1974 and transferred to Iran in 1978, is one of a limited number of large-scale Sphere within Sphere works by Pomodoro. Notably, similar works are displayed in prestigious locations such as the United Nations Headquarters in New York, UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, and St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
As outlined by Hadian-Dehkordi, current conservation efforts focus on several key activities:
- Damage documentation
- Photogrammetry
- Microstructural analysis
“We’ve utilized thousands of images and 3D modeling technology to assess the extent of damage,” she added.
Shiba Khadir, a metal conservation specialist involved in the project, elaborated on the detailed microscopic analysis currently underway. This analysis aims to identify corrosion patterns, micro-cracks, and surface degradation. “The most serious issues we are encountering include discoloration and superficial pollution, some of which resulted from previous cleaning attempts,” Khadir remarked.
The conservation process will encompass several essential phases:
- Surface cleaning
- Stabilization using special resins
- Long-term preservation measures
“For contemporary art like this, surface appearance is crucial. The Pomodoro Foundation has requested that the sculpture be restored to its original polished and reflective condition,” Hadian-Dehkordi stated.
Khadir emphasized that the materials used for restoration will be obtained based on the Pomodoro Foundation’s recommendations. “We are currently evaluating whether suitable materials can be procured locally or if we will need to rely on standard chemical treatments commonly used in international conservation projects,” she explained.
To protect the sculpture’s surface, mechanical techniques will be minimized during the restoration. “We are testing several cleaning agents that have been previously used on similar artworks. If these prove effective, we will proceed with them; otherwise, we may need to request specialized materials from the Pomodoro Foundation,” Khadir concluded.
Arnaldo Pomodoro, born in 1926, is celebrated for his polished bronze sculptures that often feature structural ruptures, revealing intricate interiors. His Sphere within Sphere works serve as a powerful symbol, representing the contrast between external perfection and internal complexity.
