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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Peter Smith

What it takes to clean industrial soot and grime from a Pittsburgh church's murals

Famed Church Murals-Preservation-Photo Gallery - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

How do you conserve 80-year-old murals that have accumulated decades' worth of soot, salt and other deterioration?

Slowly and carefully, using everything from scientific analysis to seaweed extract to everyday tools — like cosmetic sponges and shish kebab sticks.

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