Flays Sisters as Guardian Journalist Watches
Family Historian Flays Sisters as Guardian Journalist Watches
In an unprecedented and deeply disturbing article published by The Guardian, on Sunday, September 4th, “journalist” Amelia Tait lauds the systematic destruction of historical cemeteries through the application of hydrochloric acid to marble headstones.
What Tait has done is encourage a new trend in cemetery vandalism, done by ignorant amateur genealogists. A trend that had already been increasing at an alarming rate all around the world over the past two years. This is a story about how family historian, Ryan Nott (TalesOfATombstone), flays sisters as guardian journalist watches…
What you can do, as a responsible historic cemetery steward, to avoid causing such devastating harm? We’ll cover that! How could possibly correct it, if it has already been done? …A suggestion for remediation is included at the bottom of the post.
Comments from experienced monument restoration professionals, and all others who have experienced and/or encountered this type of human-inflicted damage to our cultural heritage, are welcome!
May 2022
The Scene of the Crime is at first glance an affluent coastal town.
Their names were Annie, Agnes and Margaret McWatters. And On a rainy day in May, they drew Ryan Nott’s attention. After pinpointing his targets, the 31-year-old returned and parked adjacent to their home. After he removed his gear from his trunk, he pulled on a long-sleeve shirt, and he donned his black rubber gloves.
Walking towards their home, It was almost as if the whole community rallied behind him–the neighborhood echoed with cheers and chants… and as he was approaching the sisters he started to spray.
With hydrochloric acid none would survive…
DON’T EVER use ACID Of Any Kind on any Historic Gravestone!
TalesOfATombstone Liquefies Historic Marble Headstones in Scotland on TikTok
Hydrochloric acid is used for a large number of small-scale applications, such as leather processing, household cleaning,[33] and building construction.[7] Oil production may be stimulated by injecting hydrochloric acid into the rock formation of an oil well, dissolving a portion of the rock, and creating a large-pore structure. Oil well acidizing is a common process in the North Sea oil production industry.[23]
Hydrochloric acid has been used for dissolving calcium carbonate, e.g. such things as de-scaling kettles and for cleaning mortar off brickwork. When used on brickwork the reaction with the mortar only continues until the acid has all been converted, producing calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water:
CaCO 3 + 2 HCl ⟶ CaCl 2 + CO 2 + H 2 O (“Hydrochloric acid”, 2022)
It took Nott an hour and 40 minutes to clean the three sisters’ grave, during which he sweated, accidentally splashed acid on his wrist and coughed as acid vapours blew in his face.(Tait, 2022, p. 2)
Anything that is known to take layers of skin off of a person, or strip paint off of a building is going to do IRREVERSIBLE HARM TO A HEADSTONE!
The Damage that is caused by any chemical is going to irreversibly harm the gravestone you are “cleaning.”
Stone is much like wood when it comes to taking in moisture. Softer stones can be like giant sponges and that is the biggest danger and concern over what to apply on them. Common everyday soaps to harsh chemical will travel deep into the stones and cause damage from the inside out. This is the type of damage that can’t be detected until it’s too late.. (“Don’t Clean With”)
This is Your Gravestone on Muriatic (Hydrochloric Acid)
Who the heck EDITED THIS ARTICLE?!
Flays Sisters as Guardian Journalist Watches…
Now the editors of The Guardian are Promoting the VANDALISM and DESTRUCTION of Historic Cultural Resources?
Ryan Nott, is suspected of having more than 23 victims in Helensburgh Cemetery alone. But, perhaps, of much greater concern is the extraordinary lack of research that went in to Amelia Tait’s article! AND, the complete lack of editing on the part of The Guardian.
“Is there a risk that #gravetok will inspire copycats that don’t know what they’re doing?”
Clearly it already has already has! … The Guardian was inspired to publish an article that destroys that spirit behind the #gravetok movement! And encourages everyone to get into #gravetoknope to destroy Our Heritage.
Ryan Nott Says,
“I’ve had a rather long weekend going round every stone I have been involved in, with two stonemasons They both understood your concerns and told me that they’re right that it’s a concern that, as a result of the newspaper articles, people might use acid on headstones, but now it’s about educating people and making sure that no one else does this.”
You can find his videos on TikTok @talesofatombstone), and you can find him on his Tales of a Tombstone Facebook page.
#gravetoknope
Seriously, Don’t Use Any Other Product to “Clean” and “Preserve” Historic Gravestones Before Doing Your Research
Speaking to one professional is not research
Please Educate Yourself Thoroughly!
Visit Sites that use Historic Restoration, Preservation & Conservation Standards
- NPS: Common Learning Portal. “Trades Alive – Stone Grave Markers.” Accessed April 12, 2022. https://mylearning.nps.gov/library-resources/trades-alive-stone-grave-markers/.
- Administration, National Cemetery. “Cleaning Government-Furnished Headstones and Markers – National Cemetery Administration.” Headstones and Markers. Accessed August 31, 2022. https://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/cleaning.asp.
- Cemetery Conservators for United Standards. “Best Practices.” Accessed September 5, 2022. https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/sources/best-practices/.
- Cemetery Conservators for United Standards. “Don’t Clean With.” Accessed September 5, 2022. https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/harmful-methods/dont-clean-with/.
- “Hydrochloric Acid.” In Wikipedia, August 20, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hydrochloric_acid&oldid=1105579703.
- Marble Reacts with Acid, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atbO33YBn_E.Porous Materials – Common Problems: Acid Etching, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiSC_ZTOn_k.
- Wallace, Cathy. “Damaged Gravestones.” BillionGraves Blog (blog), February 18, 2020. https://69.167.60.75/damaged-gravestones/.
damage that can’t be detected until it’s too late
Tools and Equipment to Avoid:
“Common everyday soaps to harsh chemical will travel deep into the stones and cause damage from the inside out. This is the type of damage that can’t be detected until it’s too late.”
Never use metal tools while cleaning stones. Tools such as wire brushes, putty knives, and shovels etc. can severely damage old stones.” (King et al., 2004, p. 86)
Pressure Washing and Sandblasting Not Acceptable
Use caution when working with monument and restoration specialty companies, because some still use high-power pressure washing for cleaning stone and metalwork. Experience has shown that older stones that have developed small fissures and subtle weaknesses are more likely to fail, even under the lower pressure of a typical 1000 psi consumer pressure washer. Sandblasting, whether sand, baking soda, or walnut shell as media, is too abrasive for older headstones Instead of power washing or sandblasting, it is recommended that a garden hose, delivering a maximum of 60 psi, be used. Pressure higher than 60 psi has the potential to remove the outer surface of the stone, and can blast off raised lettering and deteriorated surfaces before the operator becomes aware of the damage. Be sure to have an ample supply of water available so that any deposits or cleaning agents can be thoroughly rinsed off before drying. When cleaning products are not totally rinsed from the marker, accelerated soiling and damage can occur.” (King et al., 2004, p. 89)
CLEANING AGENTS
It is recommended that cleaning agents be limited to water, D-2, and non-ionic detergents such as Vulpex, Photo-Flo, and Orvus. However, when conservation workers are more qualified, or when volunteers are working under the close supervision of a professional, the other options listed below may be used.
Cleaning Agents — According to Type of Agent
Tracy C. Walther, a member of the Association for Gravestone Studies and an architectural conservator, recommends the following:
A. Soaps and Detergents Recommended:
1. Non-ionic detergents (e.g., Photo-Flo, Orvus and Vulpex) are recommended because they are electrically-neutral cleaning agents that neither contain nor contribute to the formation of soluble salts. Because they provide better wetting of the masonry surface, non-ionic detergents facilitate removal of general soiling.” (King et al., 2004, p. 90)
“Not Recommended:
1. Soaps (e.g., Ivory) are not recommended because they are rendered insoluble by calcium ions present in masonry and hard water. Soaps may also produce free alkali and fatty acid salts that can damage stone.
2. Commercial household detergents (liquids and powders) are generally chemically complex synthetic compounds that frequently contain additives that may be detrimental to masonry. Detergents may cause the formation and deposition of soluble salts in masonry.” (King et al., 2004, p. 90)
B. Acidic Cleaning Materials
— Acidic agents are never recommended Hydrochloric or muriatic acid, phosphoric acid (e.g. Lime Away, Naval Jelly), or oxalic acids can damage headstones. Hydrochloric or muriatic acid may result in ferrous chloride (rust) staining and the deposition of soluble salts.” (King et al., 2004, p. 90)
Subflorescence and Efflorescence
“Subflorescence is caused by the deposition of crystalline salts below the surface of a stone. Some of the causes of subflorescence are:
- wicking of moisture (contaminated with salts, fertilizers or herbicides) into the stone
- using incorrect cleaning compounds
- using the wrong kind of mortar for masonry repairs
- air and water pollution.
Efflorescence is caused by the deposition of the salts on the surface of a stone; resulting when subflorescence migrates to the surface of the stone and becomes visible.” (King et al., 2004, p. 93)
“Efflorescence is an indicator of excessive salts. In order to prevent or reduce the damage from subflorescence, causes need to be identified and steps taken to eliminate the source(s). Delamination (breaking off of layers) of the stone surface can eventually result from subflorescence.” (King et al., 2004, p. 93)
WHAT YOU COULD DO RIGHT NOW TO PREVENT THE BREAKDOWN OF THE STONE
Suggestions: If you have already cleaned a historic gravestone with an acid, or suspect that one you steward has been cleaned with an acid (Note: I have not tested this myself, and have not thoroughly researched any opinions. The advice comes from …(King et al., 2004, p. 93)
Salts can be drawn out of a stone by applying a poultice. Application of a poultice may require hiring a professional conservator.
“Poultices are water-based pastes made from diatomaceous earth, fuller’s earth or kaolinite applied over stained areas on the monument. The following are the steps in applying a poultice:
- Mix the chosen product with water to the consistency of peanut butter.
- Apply the poultice to the soiled area – 1/4 – 1/2 inches thick.
- Wrap the area with plastic sheets to avoid premature drying.
- Remove the poultice when nearly dried – as indicated by cracks in the poultice material. In the process of drying, the poultice draws out the stain in most instances.
- After removing the poultice, the stone must be thoroughly cleaned with water to remove poultice residue.” (King et al., 2004, p. 93)
- Additional Resources & References
- Tait, Amelia. “How #gravetok Videos of Cleaning Headstones Went Viral.” The Observer, September 4, 2022, sec. Society. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/04/how-gravetok-videos-of-cleaning-headstones-went-viral.
- “(20+) Facebook.” Accessed September 5, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/TalesOfATombstone/posts/pfbid0b36HGZ31rBpegipzT6uAg9ARvwHEgj41ocrbsC2iybUb9YktXBHK9eUXraCBuQyal.
- Lily Price. “Scrubbed Raw, Hundreds of Civil War Era Gravestones Defaced at Davidsonville Churches.” Capital Gazette. Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyles/ac-cn-davidsonville-historic-graves-vandalism-20210413-q6m5gqfzzbbz5jxpvzfxw7jk2a-story.html.
- Lilly Price. “Mysterious Davidsonville Grave Cleaner Discovered as BillionGraves.Com Amateur Genealogist.” Capital Gazette. Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ac-cn-davidsonville-grave-identified-20210417-fzc2w6mso5hbfmbh2e37xjyvpy-story.html.
- TikTok. “Tales of a Tombstone (@talesofatombstone) TikTok | Watch Tales of a Tombstone’s Newest TikTok Videos.” Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.tiktok.com/@talesofatombstone.
- Lacy, Robyn S. “Illegible Gravestones & Cleaning Damage: Wire, Chalk, & Shovels.” Black Cat Cemetery Preservation (blog), April 21, 2021. https://blackcatcemeterypreservation.wordpress.com/2021/04/20/illegible-gravestones-cleaning-damage-wire-chalk-shovels/.
- “European Competence Centre for the Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Site | Programme | H2020 | CORDIS | European Commission.” Accessed September 11, 2022. https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/H2020_DT-TRANSFORMATIONS-20-2020.
- King, Gregg, Susan Kosky, Kathleen Glynn, and Gladys Saborio. Michigan Historic Cemetery Preservation Manual. United States of America: McNaughton and Gunn Inc., 2004.
- Cemetery Conservators for United Standards. “Best Practices.” Accessed September 5, 2022. https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/sources/best-practices/.
- Cemetery Conservators for United Standards. “Don’t Clean With.” Accessed September 5, 2022. https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/harmful-methods/dont-clean-with/.
- “Hydrochloric Acid.” In Wikipedia, August 20, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hydrochloric_acid&oldid=1105579703.
- Lacy, Robyn S. “Illegible Gravestones & Cleaning Damage: Wire, Chalk, & Shovels.” Black Cat Cemetery Preservation (blog), April 21, 2021. https://blackcatcemeterypreservation.wordpress.com/2021/04/20/illegible-gravestones-cleaning-damage-wire-chalk-shovels/.
- Marble Reacts with Acid, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atbO33YBn_E.
- Porous Materials – Common Problems: Acid Etching, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiSC_ZTOn_k.
- “PressReader.Com – Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions.” Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-observer-magazine/20220904/281526524869812/textview.
- TikTok. “Tales of a Tombstone (@talesofatombstone) TikTok | Watch Tales of a Tombstone’s Newest TikTok Videos.” Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.tiktok.com/@talesofatombstone.
- TikToker Cleans Old Gravestones in Free Time, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqL7ISLt_-8.
- Wallace, Cathy. “Damaged Gravestones.” BillionGraves Blog (blog), February 18, 2020. https://69.167.60.75/damaged-gravestones/.
- Zack Udin, Keely Bakken, Niala Mohammad, Kurt Werthmuller, Madeline Vellturo, and John Lechner. “Factsheet: Destruction of Cemeteries.” UNITED STATES COMMISSION on INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, September 2021. https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/2021%20Factsheet%20-%20Destruction%20of%20Cemeteries_0.pdf.
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Lincoln Cemetery Restoration Year 1
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Flays Sisters as Guardian Journalist Watches
Family Historian Flays Sisters as Journalist Watches deeply disturbing article published by The Guardian, on Sunday, September 4th… Their names were Annie, Agnes and Margaret McWatters. And On a rainy day in May, they drew Ryan Nott’s attention.
