Rachel's Journal

Rachel, they look fantastic, would look great inright setting that I am sure you will develope around them.

One more question, the paint you sprayed on them is it sound, or is it peeling or flaking off in any manner?

Wow. Looking forward to seeing how you will incorporate these into your garden. Very chique!

Oh Rachel those are fabulous - they'll be stunning in your garden!

Hiya Fran. The paint has worn off some of the sharper edges, so I think it mightn't be a bad idea to repaint before varnishing. Rachel asked me to mention there's a crack right through the arch above/to one side of Ganesh's head.

OK Guys, tell you what I'll do. These are two great pieces, without seeing them in the flesh (so to speak) I would rather not say what to do. I have all kinds of stains, oils and varnishes here. If you are dropping Ishtar to Dublin or going to Birr next weekend, I will take them and have a good look at them and  then do what ever is needed.

One point to consider Rachel, as they are black, they will attract more heat from the sun, so if designing an area for them the more shade you can provide for them the better.

They look great and I will be watching the development of this idea with interest, good luck with it.

Me again, Fran. I was going out so asked Norman to mention the crack. The crack is the only damage. It doesn't go right through the arch so the arch is still intact. I hope I have explained that properly.

They really are very dirty with dust with grease on top :(  Should I submerge them in water to clean?

They are fine pieces and were our 'precious' for years but we had to banish them when Sammy was a baby because they gave him nightmares ;-)

Thanks, Jacinta and Anne. I am getting really excited about this now :)

Out comments just crossed!

Oh, Fran. That would be wonderful. Let me bring them to Birr and you can take them and assess what needs to be done then see if you want to do it. Thank you so much. You're going on Sunday?

Great, yes going to Birr, will get them then.................you might get them back  ;-))

Ha!

Another reason why ill miss going to Birr. But isnt it nice to hear how wonderfully generous people are.

It is indeed, Scrubber.

if they are from s.e. asia and very light they are made from balsa wood [common wood for carving ].balsa wont last outside at all . if you could put them under shade from rain in a south facing place they might last .

No, they're not from SE Asia (they're from India), and wouldn't have lasted this long, even indoors, if they were made of balsa. They're a hefty 10-12lbs each - nothing lightweight about them :-)

Good to hear they are heavy, bodes well for them been made of a good solid wood ;-)

Rachel, meant to say don't clean them or anything leave them as they are.

Okay, Fran. I was never one who took much dissuasion from cleaning :)

Will be interesting features to build a theme around.

Fran I have an arch seat and four tables and chairs to varnish when can I drop them up? Rachel they look great I think if you put them outside maybe do so for the summer and try to give them a bit of shelter..

Bill drop them up anytime, but just like the statues, will never see Wexford again............. hehe.

Bill could tackle your windows when he's up, Fran. Only fair :D