Update Historic Paintings of California Missions by Edwin Deakin in the Santa Barbara Mission Archives and Library

Art conservation treatments are in the process. An update is posted after the newspaper article below…

The restoration of 22 gorgeous high quality historic paintings of the California Missions by Edwin Deakin in the Santa Barbara Mission Archives and Library (SBMAL) are underway. Director, Dr. Monica Orozco, heads up the efforts with the help of Scott M. Haskins of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.). This article by Elizabeth Stewart brings you up to date:

painting conservation

Painting conservation treatments have been proceeding systematically on a schedule over approximately the last 12 months. Two receptions/open houses have been held at the Archives to inform patrons, members and donors to the project and the response was very enthusiastic. At these receptions, completed works were shown next to painting that were yet to be cleaned, therefore offering an opportunity to compare. Art conservation staff was on hand to tell stories, explain processes and answer questions. Scott M. Haskins spoke to the groups of about 100 people at each event with background info on this wonderful collection of art and a review of other collections of paintings of the Missions of California by Henry Chapman Ford and William Sparks.

Videos of the processes are currently being made and a review page of the project on this website will be established in the future. The completion of the project is estimated to take place by the end of August 2015.

Questions? FACL and Scott Haskins provide the highest quality art conservation/ painting restoration services recognized nationally. 805 564 3438

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Edwin Deakin's Carmel Mission
San Carmello Borromeo Mission by Edwin Deakin

25 thoughts on “Update Historic Paintings of California Missions by Edwin Deakin in the Santa Barbara Mission Archives and Library”
  1. Gren Farhan

    We are so glad to have donated to such a great cause! These paintings are so important in our history and you have brought them back to life! Congratulations to Dr. Orozco to have chosen your company to work with!

    March 29, 2015
  2. Andrew Greystone

    Thank you so much for giving us the tour of your laboratory. What you do is so interesting and it’s great to know that you’re in town and that you are taking care of the SBMAL collection.

    April 3, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      It was very pleasant to have you come by the lab for a tour Andrew. Thanks for being involved in this project. I think its a project from which anyone would be get great satisfaction from being more involved.

      April 3, 2015
  3. Bianca Durant

    We are so grateful for your expertise; you have enlightened us so much! We are so glad we donated to the restoration of these wonderful paintings.

    April 3, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      I too am very happy to support this worthwhile and exciting historic project. Thanks Bianca.

      April 3, 2015
  4. Riley Bloomburg

    What you do is so interesting and you’re great at it! We applaud Dr. Orozco for choosing you to do the art conservation work.

    April 5, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      Thanks Riley for the nice comment!!

      April 10, 2015
  5. Ernie Alexandra

    The change is amazing in the cleaning process!

    April 6, 2015
  6. Fiona Rossow

    Thank you so much for your great work and setting aside the time to give us the grand tour.

    April 6, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      You are welcome Fiona. It was my pleasure.

      April 10, 2015
  7. Vivian Dupont

    This collection is so amazing. Thank you for speaking…..we had so much fun listening to you!

    April 9, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      Thanks Vivian. It was a fun event… and I didn’t see anyone fall asleep!

      April 10, 2015
  8. Maryanne Blanc

    “The difference from before and after is enchanting……look at those colors!”

    April 9, 2015
  9. Sebastian Fitch

    Thank you so much for setting aside the time to explain the restoration process to us. You do fabulous work.

    April 10, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      Thanks Sebastian!

      April 10, 2015
  10. Ethan Klap

    I was captivated by your presentation at the archives.,, truly captivated by your stories. I love the quality of the work you are doing, the careful attention you have given this work and I appreciate your way of explaining the processes.

    April 11, 2015
    • Scott M. Haskins

      Thanks Ethan. Very nice comment.

      April 14, 2015
  11. Emma Ilm

    This collection of paintings are so historical and important for California history. The Franciscan Mission archives is so fortunate to have this treasure. What great fortune to have found your company to clean and safeguard these irreplaceable works of art. We love the work you are doing and appreciate your way of explaining the processes.

    April 15, 2015
  12. Gren Farhen

    We are so excited to see this collection restored to its original state. So far the ones that have been completed look amazing! Thanks for talking to our group. Job well done!

    April 16, 2015
  13. Harvey Johnson

    I’ve had the pleasure to have a look at the murals being restored by fine art conservation at the Cedar Rapids city hall. Mr. Haskins and his crew are real master restorers.

    April 16, 2015
  14. Tom Lester

    Absolutely enjoyed learning about art restoration. Thank you for taking your time to show us your magnificent work too.

    April 18, 2015
  15. Maggie Hanson

    Another great job! Learning how these paintings can be saved has been a pleasure of mine the last few years! Thank you for sharing your successes!

    April 28, 2016
  16. Emily Joness

    Thank you for the virtual tour of the Historic Paintings of California Missions

    February 7, 2017
    • Scott M. Haskins

      You’re welcome Emily. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

      March 1, 2017

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