The restoration of pieces and buildings in plaster or cement is an art, and those who master it become important bastions in the work of heritage conservation.

Such is the case of José Agustín Oval Gómez, who has dedicated his life to carrying out this kind of restorations.

“I graduated as an” A “technician in architectural works, I began to work in the restoration of heritage two years before the Office of the Historian was created, at the time of the Technical Restoration Team and they hired me when it was carried out the restoration of the Hotel Plaza. Later, when the Office and the Restoration Company emerged, I continued to be linked to them, there I discovered that what I really liked about this sector was the restoration and I have dedicated my entire working life to that. ”

Although he was born in Ciego de Ávila, his connection with Camagüey’s heritage is undeniable. His work varies in styles and formats, from interventions in National Monuments such as Las Clavellinas, El Ingenio Oriente or Los Potrero de Jimaguayú, to facades of houses in the historic center and altars and images of deities in the main religious temples of the city.

He and his team were in charge of the execution of the integral restoration of the José Marín Varona Concert Hall, work that was awarded the First Mention of the National Restoration Prize and the Special Prize awarded by the National Union of Architects and Engineers of Construction in Cuba. But perhaps his greatest joy is knowing that his work is essential for the historic center to maintain its values ​​and live up to the recognition granted by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Knowing that our work contributes to the city showing a better preserved heritage is one of my greatest joys, because I know that I have not worked in vain.”

Oval also makes sure to guarantee the future of plaster and cement restorers in Camagüey city and for this he gives lessons to the students of the Francisco Sánchez Betancourt School of Trades, a teaching institution, part of the Office of the Historian of Camagüey city.

His dedication to his work means that he does not cease his efforts to remain linked to the preservation and restoration of Camagüey’s heritage, aware that this is one of his greatest ways of loving and thanking this city that opened its doors to him.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García