March 17, 2010 — Capitals atop the columns at the Rotunda at the University of Virginia have been wrapped in a protective netting after conservators noticed cracks in the marble.

Conservator John Carr, from Milner+Carr Conservation of Philadelphia, is examining the capitals on both the north and south sides of the Rotunda. The capitals, made of American marble, were installed with the reconstruction of the Rotunda in 1896.

The netting on the capitals will prevent the cracks from spreading while conservators determine the best way to repair them.