Our church sadly had a statue of Mary fall to the ground on Easter. It has a few largish peices many, many small pieces and fragments. There are numerous cracks that go right up to the shoulder of the icon. The base has broken off completely, the hands are broken off and the fingers are missing. Part of the back is cracked into pieces but still attached by the hessian that the plaster is moulded onto. It has been written off but the owner asked me to try my best to fix it. I am wondering whether to use a glue or plaster to put back what I can and then use something to make what is missing? Also not sure what is the best way to get the base attached securely back the rest of it would be? The feet are also broken off, which are attached to the base. The plaster is only about 8mm thick. The head and shoulders are perfect so also considering making it a bust? I am confident I can put it together and repaint it (leaving the face as is) if I know how best to "glue" the pieces back and attach the base??
Any and all tips, suggestions would be much appreciated.

Elise, April 2010