They’ve been painting out murals for centuries… in fact, one of my first mural conservation projects was uncovering Renaissance murals in a church in Northern Italy that were drop dead gorgeous, but over the centuries were painted out!! Here’s a photo of the church after the overpaint was removed.
And… it still happens. Every once in awhile a historic WPA mural is thoughtlessly painted out. I’ve been quoted as a national expert on mural conservation in both CNN’s and The New Jersey Herald’s articles reporting on the debacle of a recent covering over of murals in a school: https://edition.cnn.com/…/new-deal-mural-painted…/index.html
As professional art conservators, over the years, FACL has removed 10,000s of sq ft of overpaint to recover these valuable historical and artistic murals all over the country.
Recognized as a national expert in mural conservation, CNN and the New Jersey Herald call Scott M. Haskins to review details (fact check) of the article and quote him…National News http://www.njherald.com/article/20180616/AP/306169936
“One art restorer said it would be possible, though expensive, to remove the blue paint from “Constellations.”
“I would think that it could be done not only safely, it could look perfect,” said Scott Haskins of Santa Barbara, California-based Fine Art Conservation Laboratories. Haskins said “Constellations” is not the first historic school mural to be painted over. “Every once in a while you get a dingbat principal that gets a roller out and tells maintenance to give it a fresh coat of paint,” he said. “I’ve seen it happen all over the country.”
“There have been several cases of WPA murals that were painted over and later restored. Seven murals at New Mexico Highlands University depicting different fields of knowledge were covered with white paint sometime in the 1960s. They were restored in 2011 after the New Mexico New Deal Preservation Association hired an art conservator to uncover them.”
“Cedar Rapids murals were painted over in the 1950s amid controversy over images depicting justice in what was then a federal courthouse. The murals were restored, then covered up again in the 1960s, then restored again between 2011 and 2013.”
One of our Facebook fans asked me with despiration…
“Who would do that?????”Someone who is not thinking… and not interested. But you would think that school administration would be more in tune and aware!
Another follow up comment: “And they are not the only ones. Murals in theaters, post offices, government buildings have been covered or destroyed.” Yes, that’s true… and that’s why I have a job.
A question from a nationally known artist: “Do you think there is a renewed interest in uncovering and restoring murals these days, Scott?”I think there is heightened interest in historic preservation as the population gets older. Also, 50 years ago, the WPA art was just old styled art. Now books have been written, high prices have resulted in auctions… so now they are stylish and there’s context for saving them. Also, the buildings they are in have become historic, so… but its always an effort to get together a budget. Its never a slam dunk to get all the community support you need to get the project approved. No one is going to GIVE the principle the money next week to clean off the murals, restore them and make them look great. Maybe with public outcry there will be some extra pressure…. who knows.
We consult and answer questions enthusiastically. Give us a call: Scott M. Haskins 805 564 3438 faclartdoc@gmail.com
22 thoughts on “Painted Out New Deal WPA Murals- Can they be restored?”
Bethann Sturgill
I am working primarily on mural projects these days. You are truly an inspiration in our field! Thanks Scott for your videos! (YouTube.com “bestartdoc”)
March 7, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thank Bethann, its very nice of you to say so. I’m glad you find the videos interesting… I was in Europe earlier this year meeting with colleagues and there were a bunch of people that treated me kind of like a celebrity. It seemed funny to me. TTYS
March 7, 2019Rose Brashears
The monies spent for your services are the best money we ever spent (consultation, collection survey, project proposals and reporting materials)
March 7, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks so much Rose!
March 23, 2019Bethany Stump
Scott, you may be the best conservator I know in the country. I have enjoyed working with you more than I can express.
March 7, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks Bethany. That is a real compliment! I appreciate the opportunity to work together.
March 23, 2019Mark Lopez
This was a very politically charged project in the City of San Francisco for over 10 years. We needed someone beyond reproach that we could count on to “knock the ball out of the park.” That’s why we chose Scott Haskins and FACL.
March 8, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks for posting this Mark. Very kind of you.
March 23, 2019Brandon Dillon
Scott and his staff performed perfectly and did superb quality conservation work on this very delicate painting conservation project. His skills as Conservation Team Leader were superb and much appreciated.
March 9, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thank you Bandon and to your dept. too. You all made the job go smoothly. It was very synergistic.
March 23, 2019Philip Kendrick
Scott , The delivery and work was superb and we are very thankful for your excellent skills and for the return of a piece we love.
March 9, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks Philip for leaving this kind comment.
March 23, 2019Bethel Studer
Dear Scott & FACL, Inc. Staff, YOU ARE ALL THE BEST!!!! The painting looked GREAT and I’m happy. I look forward to working more with you! My very best
March 11, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks Beth, it was a pleasure. I’m not wishing on you accidents with your art but I wish we had many future opportunities to work with you! It was such a pleasure.
March 23, 2019Michael Covington
Scott, you are a treasure restoring other treasures. You make the world better everywhere you go.
March 11, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Wow, Michael! Thanks for your very kind comment.
March 23, 2019Billie Stubles
Scott and his FACL staff of highly competent professional art conservators performed the critical salvage and restoration of a very valuable, irreplaceable historic mural in the main lobby of the Burbank, CA Police/Fire headquarters (as a sub to the general contractor for the City of Burbank). This restoration was a major component of a large water damage correction project that included replacement of the curtain wall system, stone flooring, planters and memorial monument in the middle of and surrounding the mural. Project scheduling was very tight and coordination critical and complex. Under Scott’s hands-on leadership, FACL’s restoration of the mural was flawless, their performance timely and seamless and their cooperation and team work exemplary. Without reservation, I give Scott and FACL my highest recommendation.” Service Category: Art conservation. Year hired: 2009 Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
March 11, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Thanks for your confidence in us Billie, especially after the other contract you had flaked out on you. I appreciate you trust and excellent help to make the job turn out perfect.
March 23, 2019Betsy
The conservation services, expertise and availability of FACL’s consultations have been of the highest quality and very important to our department (curatorial). In addition, we have greatly appreciated Scott’s willingness to speak at functions, put on workshops for our docents and be an active part of our professional services. We have also greatly appreciated FACL’s flexibility with our budget restraints!The Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA
March 12, 2019Scott M. Haskins
I’ve always enjoyed our association Betsy. I look forward to the next opportunity!
March 23, 2019Flora Emets
I’m new to art and murals but recently was part of group that painted a mural and I loved it. Your website is amazing. Thanks. Its the most interesting and educational site I’ve seen on the internet.
June 9, 2019Scott M. Haskins
Good luck Flora.
June 12, 2019Comments are closed.