MitThai.com มิตรไทยดอทคอม

After being repositioned, "Phra Narai" has been maintained at the Narai Hotel since its inception. The hotel is now working on relocating the statue of Phra Narai Banthomsin, which is also regarded as a crucial ancient sculpture. However, this rearrangement is remarkably intriguing that the hotel needs to assemble a team of academics and antique professionals to assist us in the evaluation and assessment of the property.

The replacement was explained by Mr. Nathee Nithivasin (Managing Director of Narai Hotel Company Limited & 3rd Generation Heir) ?The Phra Narai Banthomsin statue has resided in the hotel for nearly 50 years and has never been moved; hence, deterioration over time is inevitable. As it is being transported, the management team wishes to preserve as much of the original state as possible. We decided to contact JWD Art Space Co., Ltd., which has expertise in caring for, moving, preserving, and reinstalling arts as a one-stop service, including providing insurance for every piece of work in every process. This makes us confident that the artwork we leave in their care will be well preserved."

Additionally, Mr. Nathee elaborated on the idea in the next stage. "In the section that we are currently working on, it is the progression of clearing the area inside the building, such as a statue of Phra Narai Banthomsin, the royal barge Suphannahong, mural paintings, chandeliers, and others, which are expected to be completed in July, followed by the call of demolishing the building and improving the area to support the future construction."

Mr. Robert Bougrain-Dubourg, a French art conservationist who has collaborated with the JWD Art Space team, said, "This is a precious piece of art in Thailand since it is a massive work molded with plaster, aged more than 50-60 years old. It necessitates extreme caution since each step has a significant danger of rupture; as a result, the pre-transfer technique is critical. The first step is to shield the entire workpiece as it is our responsibility to handle the situation using certain approaches that are prevalent in the conservation of art in European nations, particularly in France. This technology is being deployed for the first time in Thailand. After cleaning the Phra Narai Banthomsin statue, a unique water-based adhesive created from rabbit wax must be applied; subsequently, the sculpture is covered with mulch paper. It is essential to strictly redo the procedure alternately for 5-6 layers to ensure that the property is affected as little as possible or even flawless. The next step is to wrap it in a cotton pad before placing it in a wooden box. Then, with scaffolding and a crane to assist in raising and supporting it, we are preparing to move it with the rail system to bring it down through a window on the second floor. It will be kept at the art gallery for 24 hours with a temperature of 25-27 degrees. The room regulates humidity and prevents fungal growth. It will be completely covered by a veil, which will be opened once a month to inspect the condition. JWD Art Space personnel will regularly monitor it to preserve the workpiece as close to its original state as feasible."

"The Statue of Phra Narai Bantomsin" is an important work by Khun Kaimook Chuto, Thailand's first female sculptor. It was sculpted in 1963 as a bas-relief sculpture, measuring 2x8 meters and flanked by Queen Lakshmi. The intricate patterns in this sculpture are the focal point. Every step is meticulously planned, resulting in the touch of the natural spirit. It is one of Khun Kaimook's most eminent works. Furthermore, it serves as a symbol and a crutch for all employees. The management team has a consensus that after the building construction project is completed, the statue of Phra Narai Banthomsin would be installed in a proper location as a part of the next magnificent new project.