Preservation of fine art murals is a conscious effort and commitment to the preservation of beauty, history, and culture for the enjoyment of future generations. This great responsibility requires a multifaceted approach and a comprehensive understanding of the methods, materials, and potential threats to mural stability. Considering preventative methods is just as important as addressing immediate damages when ensuring the long-term health of a mural. We hope the following suggestions will help stewards of fine art to understand and embrace the process of conservation as well as enjoy their role in the preservation of cultural heritage.
Boston Public Library, Edwin Austin Abbey Holy Grail Murals
Conservation Assessment
A fine art assessment is a good place to begin, whether you are looking for general suggestions on environmental conditions and preventative measures or looking to repair existing damages. A thorough documentation of the mural ideally assesses the material composition, history, previous conservation work, environmental conditions, and, if applicable, areas of damage. The assessment should also offer suggestions for environmental conditions and architectural repairs as necessary.
(Left) Example of mapping of the conditions of a mural (Right) Example of part of a historic building conditions assessment
Fine Art Assessments will typically measure and evaluate the environmental conditions, as well as visually inspect and document artwork surfaces. Any cracks, deterioration, or discoloration are carefully documented to understand the cause of the damage and provide accurate repair suggestions. At this time, conservation tests may be conducted to best understand the chemical makeup and materials. These tests also help to determine the best methods for conservation based on the observed damage and select solutions most compatible with the piece.
Environmental conditions vary depending on the local conditions and the material composition of the piece. Murals in prominent buildings may be located in rotundas or encased in ceiling decoration; therefore, architectural stability is crucial to the stability of the artwork. Mitigating water intrusion, dampness, and even pests such as bugs and birds inside the building will help to prevent future damage to the artwork. Additionally, interiors with fine art should monitor humidity, avoid extreme changes in temperature, prioritize proper ventilation, and avoid or mitigate direct light and sunlight.
Following the assessment and depending on the results, suggestions may include architectural repairs, interior condition changes to improve the general environment, conservation cleaning, and conservation repairs. All conservation suggestions and efforts follow the American Institute for Conservation ethics guidelines to preserve the original hand of the artist and to “do no harm”. As such, conservation efforts should be limited to what is strictly necessary to preserve the integrity of the artwork.
Preventative Measures
Whether addressing obvious damages to the artwork or just looking for the assurance that the artwork is stable, preventative measures are key to the long-term health of the piece. Assessing the environmental conditions, including humidity and UV, will provide insights into how best to store or display the piece.
Preventive conservation measures are the natural first step following analysis. Any work that can be completed to minimize future risks, such as installation of UV protectors, air filtering systems, temperature controls, or leak repairs, should be addressed first if found to be a risk to the artwork.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation Cleaning
Over time, surfaces build up with dirt and grime, which can potentially cause damage to the artwork but may also simply darken the surface, hiding the original coloration and detail. During the assessment, tests may be completed to determine the least intrusive and most effective manner to address conservation cleaning. The cleaning solutions are determined based on the material makeup, age, and condition of the piece; as such, every conservation approach is tailored specifically to the artwork.
Conservation Repairs
Any visible damage is similarly addressed using a conservation approach specific to the material makeup and condition of the piece. Some repairs may include reattachment of flaking paint, infilling of damages, inpainting, and varnishing.
Consolidant is being applied to the paint on the murals at the Hale Library at Kansas State University
Several efforts are taken to ensure the preservation of the original work. While aesthetic repair of the work may be desired and important to the restoration efforts, conservation efforts are carried out with reversible materials on a separate varnish layer from the original paint layer. For example, once the original paint layer is stabilized, the surface is varnished, and any inpainting is carried out on the varnish layer. This ensures that all conservation efforts can be reversed if necessary. On-site efforts should be supported by thorough documentation throughout the conservation repairs to create a comprehensive paper trail for future archival reference.
Part of the paint consolidation process at Kansas State University
Monitoring and Maintenance
Once conservation efforts are completed and documentation submitted, a regular maintenance plan may be developed and implemented with help from the conservator. Depending on the piece and its location, regular cleaning of the interior or even surface cleaning of the piece may help to prevent deterioration due to dust or pollutants. Maintenance may include installation of humidity gauges, regular inspection, relocation, cleaning, etc. Community engagement can be included in a maintenance program to raise awareness if fundraising is needed for future conservation efforts. Understanding the science of conservation and what causes material breakdown beyond obvious concerns like water intrusion will help to address the specific needs of the artwork in both the short-term and the long-term.
Every conservation project is different. This article simply addresses the general outline of most conservation efforts; however, should you have any specific questions regarding the conservation or conservation maintenance of artwork in your stewardship, we would be glad to share our knowledge and provide an assessment if desired.
