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General Restoration
of Třebechovice
Nativity Scene
The aim of the project was an overall rehabilitation of the monument and raising
awareness of its value. As a whole, the Třebechovice Nativity Scene has never
been overhauled and restored. As a result of the fact that functioning of the whole
transmission system of the nativity scene has been ensured for next dozens
of years without the necessity for additional large interventions, the Probošt’s
Nativity Scene at Třebechovice can remain a dignified representative of a unique
and still living tradition of native scene production.
The restoration work under expert supervision by monument preservationists
lasted for almost a year and the overhauled nativity scene was fully opened to
the public in the middle of May 2016. The restoration work was carried out in
presence of the public who could see the individual stages of restoration through
a glass wall of the exposition. The nativity scene was completely disassembled,
its frame reinforced and levelled, with its components restored. During the work,
the original practices and technologies of the late 19
th
century and the early
20
th
century were followed, e.g. the mechanical part of the nativity scene was
treated in accordance with the old-time practices of master axemen. Along with
the restoration work, a historic survey was conducted.
Additionally, a 3D model of the nativity scene mechanism was produced in
cooperation with Klaus Brandl, a specialist advisor and restorer from Liechtenstein.
“The work on the project was also like a unique meeting and everybody who
contributed to the implementation was like a pebble in a mosaic vital for the
project implementation. The hours of consultations and discussions within the
project are countless. Now, the legacy of the unique nativity scene made by
Probošt can be handed over further on, as its creator would have definitely
wished.”
Silvie Dušková, project manager
Project promoter
Town of Třebechovice
pod Orebem (CZ)
Partner
Czech Association of
Nativity Scene Friends
(CZ)