Sir Humphry Davy Statue Steam Cleaned in Penzance

Penzance’s most famous son has had a proper wash. And it took more than a bucket and sponge.

The statue of Sir Humphry Davy was given a special steam clean on Wednesday 3rd June, gently removing a build-up of ‘organic material’ and revealing his sparkling white marble physique.

A number of Penzance’s memorials and statues are listed, and strict guidance applies to how they should be cleaned and maintained. The wrong types of cleaning products can damage them, and in some cases even scrubbing with water may cause damage to surfaces or inscriptions.

So the council has adopted the current recommended method for cleaning statues and memorials, using hot steam at low pressure. According to Penzance Council, it is the most effective form of cleaning while being the least aggressive.

 Sir Humphry Davy was not the only one to get the treatment. Over the past few days, council contractor CCS Commercial Cleaning Ltd has professionally cleaned all of the memorials and statues in the parish that are maintained by the council, using the hot steam method.

The statue now stands a good deal whiter than it did at the start of the week.

📷Credit: Penzance Council

📷Credit: Penzance Council

📷Credit: Penzance Council