Mural Art Conservation Survey and Overpaint Removal at Texas Southern University (TSU)

I’m at TSU this week and its been a great week of looking at art. This University has a rich heritage of mural painting starting back with some really great artist pioneers back in the 50’s. The result has been an administration building FULL of murals, in every hallway! Its odd, but wonderful to see.


Murals at TSU

Very Cool Amorphic Figures in Murals at TSU

Other buildings on campus also have murals and I’ll write more about them in the upcoming days. The survey of the murals is gathering the information about their condition so TSU can have an up to date database to consult and they manage their collection. The registrar, Monica Vidal, has really been “on it!” She’s been great.


Mural by Abe Washington

Mural by Abe Washington 1971

Tomorrow I will get into the testing and estimating of the removal of the overpaint from the murals of Harvey Johnson that were painted out last Sept. or thereabouts. We should complete the actual counting and logging in of the murals. Here’s a photo of one of the walls where the Harvey Johnson murals were painted out.


Mural at TSU

Mural? What mural?

An interesting note: While we were inspecting the murals, I used a UV blacklight to look over for signatures that have color shifted into “invisability” or have been obliterated by touchup, repairs etc. Here’s an example of how using a special powerful UV blacklight can be a great tool for any collector, registrar, appraiser, art claims adjuster:


Invisible signature POPPED out with a special UV blacklight

Previously not visible, the UV blacklight made it POP out

Read more about this new light and get NEW information about using a UV blacklight at www.tipsforartcollectors.org/blacklight-package


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About Scott M. Haskins

Scott Haskins has been in professional art conservation since 1975, specializing in the conservation/restoration of easel paintings, murals and art on paper. FACL, Inc. is known nationally for doing A+ work no matter the size or difficulty of the project. We are happy to do a quick cleaning on a family heirloom. Our client list and resume is also full of very satisfied clients of large, difficult/complicated projects at remote locations. Excellent services are also available as an Expert Witness/Legal Testimony in art related matters. Consultation on art related projects occur regularly including extensive insurance evaluations for insured or insurer. Services are offered worldwide. Scott M. Haskins is also author of the "Save Your Stuff" series, educational information, materials and supplies to help people protect and save their treasured family heirlooms and collectibles at home and office. He can be reached at 805 564 3438. Video and written testimonials at https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/testimonials/
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