Rainy March in SoCal – Water Damaged Collectibles?

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Scott M. Haskins

Our fountain, filled with rain water

This article has been syndicated at http://www.ExpertClick.com To see what syndication means form you, see end of article:

We’ve had some water in SoCal lately… the basin of our fountain was bone-dry-empty 2 weeks ago and now the 14″ basin is overflowing from the rain. But that also means the local reservoirs are full and that is comforting. But, living in a dry climate, we assume that our travels, building projects, sports events will not deal with the complication of wet weather… but not so, this month.

Just the same, I was out in it yesterday picking up, delivering and consulting with interested people on the West LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica area and met with a nice lady with an iron, antique Thai Buddha that was flaking, previous restorations are falling apart and needs some TLC that we can provide. I can’t believe that she bought it in Thailand, many years ago, when she was there as a tourist and brought it home. It must weigh 150 lbs!! She is in the middle of home renovations and its a bit tricky managing the work in a rainy downpour!!

Even when water damage can badly effect art, antiques and collectibles… the poor handling, storage and improper restoration can be much more devastating. I often tell people that they should not trust the person who shampoos their couch to appropriately treat their artwork and collectibles. You might think that’s a little self-serving, but I’m trying to share a truth that can save people great heartache. Here is a testimonial…

Here is our webpage for other testimonials. Scroll down the page… I think you’ll find several of the examples interesting and entertaining: https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/testimonials

Here is our YouTube playlist of other testimonials for family heirlooms: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL41D80C1C65FF2CE7

Questions? Call 805 564 3438

FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon Art Conservators

Finally, remember, Spring forward, Fall back this evening.😀

Family heirlooms are very important types of items with positive vibes that help people to remember their family history stories and events with loved ones.

International blogger, Khola Malik’s recent article talked about the importance of our personal treasured history item and its contribution to our family’s legacy and heritage: https://saveyourstuff.com/loosing-treasured-family-history-items-and-heirlooms-is-heartbreaking/

How can something be priceless when its not worth anything? What is worth saving and protecting of our “stuff?”  Frankie Boyer Talk Radio Interview Boston, Mass https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/facl-in-the-media/frankie-boyer-talk-radio-interview-boston-mass/

Family Heirloom Painting Restoration in Orange County, CA

https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/in-lab/family-heirloom-painting-restoration-in-salt-lake-city-testimonial/

Questions? Call 805 564 3438

FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon Art Conservators

 

This article has been syndicated

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

#WaterDamagedCollectibles #WaterDamagedArtRestoration #FineArtConservationLaboratories

Questions? Call 805 564 3438

FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon Art Conservators

Posted in Water Damage | Tagged | Leave a comment

Public Art Mural’s Graffiti Protection Coating (Our Multi-Layer Applications) Is Put To The Test

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Scott M. Haskins
This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator

Feb. 26, 2023

Click on this link to see the details of a wonderful mural recovery and restoration project we worked on over the last few years. at https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/historical-aids…/ In short, the initial motivation of the mural restoration project was an effort to reclaim meaningful public art from graffiti vandals. It wasn’t the first attempt, though. The mural had been scrubbed on and repainted several times even within the artist’s lifetime. It took several years to research, get resounding community support, raise money and complete this mural restoration project with Covid thrown into the equation. The paint used for the painting of the mural was upgraded and the final mural was coated with 4 layers of MuralGuard by Rainguard Pro.

Last weekend, a well-planned out group of vandals in a Mercedes stopped, took out their ladders and calmly (it appeared that way on the video) did their deed. The graffiti was put up high to discourage being cleaned off and it was applied thick. This tag was about 10′ x 30′ and was put over the top of the most sensitive color on the wall. Given the underpass roadway circumstances, the size and technique of the tag, this was a devastating difficult tag to remove easily… normally.

In addition, neighborhood groups loudly protested that their alerts to the city about the burned-out lights in the underpass left the tunnel especially dark at night, an important security factor.

The key to the long-term beautification that this colorful mural can contribute to the neighborhood is the interest and pride of ownership of the neighborhood organization. More on that at the end of this article. But more than just a pretty painted wall as a decoration of the neighborhood, this mural hold major significance, historically, as it represents the research fight to find something for AIDS in the middle 1980s when it seemed like an apocalyptic plague.

Kudos to the neighborhood organizations that live around Blue Moon Trilogy, the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of LA and the District Office for getting on the removal right away. Only 4 days old, this graffiti was removed with great success, largely made possible by the multiple layers of protective coating, #MuralGuard, and the care of the removers. A big applause for everyone… this is the kind of maintenance that is required to keep this wall clean. Its a “high impact” zone and will require quick action again in the future. Even the burned-out lights in the underpass were changed out!

Another Successful Mural Maintenance Effort:

I have related often the story about a mural on Balboa Island, Newport. The 10’ x 15‘ mural is at street level and in a very high pedestrian traffic area. It was coated with a similar varnish product to the type we used on Blue Moon Trilogy (which is now out of production). Actually, the product we used is higher quality. Local senior citizens keep an eye on the mural and when it gets tagged (at least monthly) they immediately come out with Goo-gone and scrub it off. I inspected the mural many years after its creation and the application of the anti-graffiti varnish and I was amazed at how good it looked.. It has a two-part urethane finish on it (#MuralGuard) and has been kept clean for almost 20 years.

Maintained and looking good as a result of community/neighborhood pride of ownership.

I understand that the Department of Cultural Affairs cannot encourage the neighborhood to keep the murals free of graffiti but I want to reaffirm with you that I am willing to do a workshop with the neighborhood to guide and train volunteers to quickly remove small tags that might discourage bigger tags.

As you know, our restoration efforts will be obliterated by graffiti without a maintenance effort and if I can help brainstorm and implement such an effort, please do not hesitate to ask me. I’m offering to do consultations and train on this matter as a heartfelt free public/community service.

Onward and upward!

Scott M. Haskins, Head of Conservation

 

Syndication

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=292227

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=292227

Posted in Consultations, FACL in the media, In The News About Art Conservation, Murals | Tagged | 1 Comment

Art Restoration of Family Portraits Requires Expert Help

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Scott M. Haskins

I’m sure you’ll agree that the portrait on the left, a pioneer ancestor’s portrait that was loaned to a community celebration and fell off an easel, requires special skills to bring the look in her eyes back to the original “look” that the family loves. In fact, there are many living ancestors of this lady from the 1890s that have the exact same “look” and expressions as she does! Even as massive as this damage is in the most critical and sensitive spot on the portrait, this damage was carefully and critically restored to not be at all detectable. Family received back their pioneer portrait, still a pioneer portrait with only the damaged area being “inpainted” or retouched. In other words, the original portrait was returned to them looking perfect and was not repainted!

Unfortunately, the portrait on the right was “restored” by an artist friend “who normally does nice paintings!” So, it got completely repainted! The background isn’t real (part of the original portrait) and he was wearing a regular long tie, not a bow tie!! All the colors are different from the original. The much beloved father of the client is hardly recognizable and there is going to be a family hysterical upset if this portrait isn’t returned to the original father they love and know.

The situations of these two portraits teaches you an important lesson that I am constantly reinforcing with people I meet: people see the work our art conservation lab does and they remark, “Wow you are such a great artist” or something similar. I always lovingly instruct them that there is nothing creative about what we do. We are NOT artists!! After my bachelors degree, it was the opportunity to work with science to bring about the preservation and restoration of art that drew me to this profession in 1975.

In fact, no one in our fine art conservation laboratory produces artwork or earns any money by making art. My experience is that artists are not detailed enough, not focused enough, and not respectful enough to preserve and protect the original artwork of somebody else. It happens often that they put “their twist” on the restoration work, “improve” the parts they don’t like and think that by making it look better, its restored… with little thought or knowledge about long term preservation. The headlines of the artist-grandmother who restored the picture of Christ for the Spanish church and whose restored painting was renamed “Behold, The Monkey!” may come to mind.

Restoration is not repainting original artworkThough it looks like the original cherub, the color and antique look is gone.

So, after a work of art has been repainted or touched up badly, can it be recouped or saved or re-restored!?” A painful question. Well, yes… but the price, at this point for proper, safe art conservation treatments has just skyrocketed; In this case we charge, of course, for the time and effort to take off any previous bungled restorations. You pay for undoing the sins of the previous “restorer,” and depending on the sensitivity or the underlying original work vs. the quality of the materials the previous “restorer” used, that may render that job quite difficult and expensive. And then once cleaned off, we would start on the proper treatments required.

A Happy Testimonial

Art conservation – restoration questions?

Call Scott M. Haskins or Virginia Panizzon,

Veteran Art Conservators – 805 564 3438

Art restoration of a family portrait DOES NOT involve repainting! Professional art conservation in Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Barbara County, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City. @ScottMHaskins @ArtRestoration @FineArtConservationLab @Paintingrestoration @FamilyHistory @Geneaology

What can you do at home?

See videos on YouTube Channel PreservationCoach: http://www.youtube.com/user/PreservationCoach?feature=mhee

“I can do it for you for less.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lCx-xg4BMY Short video of how all photos, scrapbooks, documents, family history AND THE BACKUP COPIES were lost in a house fire. Leave a comment!

Search in the side bar of this blog

for “family portrait” for other examples.

Vandalism is unfortunately an issue.

An enraged family member or fiancé that wants to hurt the family can reach out to attack the ancestor. We’ve seen it many times.

Posted in art restoration of family portraits | Tagged | Leave a comment

Mural Restored of Famous Porterville, CA Marching Bands – Maintaining Public Art

Posted on January 6, 2023 by Scott M. Haskins
This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator utilizing special resins for stabilizing flaking paint to preserve the mural

“Marching through Time” is a mural that needed some help to keep on marching as it was flaking so badly that many had lost hope. But the original mural artist Glen Hill found art and mural conservator Scott M. Haskins who knew exactly how to deal with the problems in order to help it to continue to march through several more decades.

The free-standing 17-by-100 feet mural located at Centennial Park across from Porterville City Hall was unveiled 12 years ago. The mural depicts the town’s now 100-year high school marching band history, and the city’s first four band directors — Frank Howard, Bill Robbins, Frank “Buck” Shaffer and Dale Anderson in the settings of the national attention they achieved in their competitions.

Twelve years ago, due to misguidance – they used materials that diminished the mural by accelerating the aging.  “This mural has only been here 10 to 12 years but the paint and resin layers are peeling as if it was painted 50 years ago. Its condition is a real mess.”

Haskins, Chief Art Conservator at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, FACL, in Santa Barbara was contracted to oversee the restoration of the mural after the Porterville City Council approved the restoration and repainting on Sept 20. On that day, the Council also approved cannabis dispensary revenue in the city to help fund the restoration. Haskins was hired to preserve and stabilize the flaking paint layers so that the original artist, Glen Hill, could do the touch up and repainting with the expectation that this restoration would be good long term. In addition, after Hill has completed the pictorial restoration, Haskins will return to apply a protective coating that has been chosen by the mural maintenance dept of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs in Los Angeles to protect public art against graffiti. The “anti-graffiti” that is applied makes it possible to remove the graffiti without damaging the paint of the mural, Haskins said, with the varnish coming from a mural guard company in Costa Mesa.

Haskins has worked all over the United States conserving fine art. Two weeks ago, he worked on a mural on the United Nations in New York. He has also done major mural restoration projects in Dallas, Salt Lake City, and next week will be working on WPA – Works Progress Administration – projects in Los Angeles.“We are the only professional art preservation services for painting conservation in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City… so, we get around” he said.

Haskins spent Tuesday and Wednesday working on the first phase of the mural conservation— stopping and fixing the deterioration of the mural. During our visit on Wednesday, he looked through his cell phone and pointed out photos he had taken as he worked Tuesday on areas with severe peeling, and on areas where previous touch-ups didn’t match. “It looked awful,” he said, adding that the paint itself had turned “chalky” and was rubbing off.

Haskins also talked about hydrolysis being a problem— the chemical breakdown of a oils in the paint due to reaction with water and sun. “The main thing is stopping the flaking and delamination. That is the most important as it seeps into smaller crevices and we get stabilization.”

The second phase includes the return of artist Glen Hill to the mural for touch-ups. Haskins discussed the valuable collaboration, “We stabilize it, then Hill makes it look great, aesthetically, and then we return to make sure the public art is protected (as much as possible),” Haskins said. “In the end, you get a mural potentially here for decades and looking fantastic.”

Helping Haskins in the restoration is an area high school sophomore, Christian Rogers from Elenore Roosevelt High School in Exeter. ‘A good worker’ who has helped his father on buildings and construction sites, Haskins said.

Rogers helped Haskins complete the upper half of the mural on Wednesday. As he painted on the solution, Rogers talked of how it “seeps into the picture so the color becomes brighter.”

Denise Marchant, a founding member of the Porterville mural committee who has worked to bring the art of murals depicting local history to Porterville, called the project dear to her and the Porterville community. She’s credited with the tenacity to pull all the right people, the experts and arrangements together.

“The mural committee is so excited that the restorative work on the “Marching Through Time Band Mura”l is underway. It is amazing to see what the professionals are able to do with the right materials to bring it back to life,” Marchant said on Wednesday. “This is a three-phase process that will take multiple months to complete, so we do have to be patient to see the final result. I am so thankful that the community, and especially the City Council, have seen the importance of supporting the renovation of this historical mural that has become a focal point for downtown.”

@PublicArtMaintenance @ScottMHaskins @ChristianRogers @MuralRestoration @ArtConservation @MuralConservation @Porterville @MarchingBand @ArtRestoration @GlenHill

Questions, call Scott M. Haskins 805 564 3438 faclartdoc@gmail.com

For questions about varnishing murals and anti-graffiti protection layers, see these three videos may be of interest:

  1. Why Protect A Mural With Varnish If There Is No Danger Of Graffiti? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Yr9trali0 … and
  2. How a hard varnish on murals can minimize maintenance of public art : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZtQm4rAa8 …
  3. MuralGuard varnish for easier removal of graffiti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43OXBEUTibc

Flaking paint was rampant on the mural

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? 

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=280124

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=280124

 

 

 

Posted in FACL in the media, Murals, Saving Public Art | Tagged | Leave a comment

Get Intimate With Your Art – Maintenance Dusting of Michelangelo’s David Provides A Suggestion For Your Collection.

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins


https://youtube.com/shorts/fG38rJwdBvw?feature=share

Every two months Michelangelo’s David is “dusted” to remove microscopic dust and debris. It’s the job of Eleonora Pucci, in-house art conservator at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, a job she described as “exhilarating,” if somewhat unnerving.

To clean the 17 ft tall statue, a specialist in-house team builds a scaffolding tower in the rotunda housing the David, taking special precautions.

Using a small brush made of synthetic fiber, Eleonora caresses the statue, raising particles which are immediately sucked up by a small vacuum cleaner strapped to her back, expressly designed to be used on statues and museum architecture. (backpack vacuum cleaners with ultra high capture ability (of the dust), soft brush nozzles and HEPA filters are available commonly).

While you may think that the effort is worth it because it is Michelangelo’s David we are talking about, I beg to differ. With precautions, all art on display can undergo some type of safe maintenance, periodically… but not every two months is required.

Proper protection from damage and proper maintenance can maximize the enjoyment and maintain the value of the artwork. After all, a careful/thoughtful-hands-on relationship with your art turns your “decoration” into a relationship. 

If you are uneasy, or even if you are not uneasy, about handling valuable art items (see this article about if something is “worth it”…and about what you should do to maintain your art, speak with an art conservator and ask if he/she is for hire to give you an in-house mini training session. Unless the art conservator has no people skills, you should enjoy the visit immensely (even more with some afternoon tea and cookies), a nice moment to further pick his/her brain.  In fact, you should video the instruction for review later.

I promise you, the activity will be much more satisfying and valuable than telling the housekeeper hit everything with Pledge and a rag for a superficial tidy look. In addition to getting to know your art connects better, it will also give you the occasion to think about earthquake safety and other protective measures.

Questions? Call Scott M. Haskins, Virginia Panizzon Art Conservators

805 564 3438 office

p.s.  If you would like to know more about what you can do to protect and preserve your original family history items, collectibles and memorabilia click on this link for a free copy of Scott M. Haskins book Save Your Stuff – Collection Care Tips, 210 pages with 35 embedded how-to videos.

p.s.s. CLICK HERE for our YouTube channel – Subscribe!  See quick video on Discovering Hidden Signatures on Paintings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxOqa-Aa9Nk

Posted in Consultations, In The News About Art Conservation, Saving Public Art | Tagged | 20 Comments

Mural Restoration, Bigger Than 6 Mt. Rushmores, On Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural Near Corona and Riverside, CA Set To Start

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins

Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator standing on the 120 feet tall and 664 feet long mural with a 40-degree slope, consulting with special interest groups, the Army Corp of Engineers, City officials, community groups, lawyers and the original artist.

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com.
What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?
See end of article for explanation.

The Orange County Register came out yesterday with an article that said the restoration of the Prado Dam Freedom Bicentennial Mural is supposed to begin next week. I was immediately contacted by several sources wondering if I was in charge or involved since for years I’ve been posting on social media about my consultations on the project. But in response to the question, the answer is, I don’t know if I’m still involved.

I was officially asked and established as the Head of the Project by the person in charge and, in fact, the Army Corp of Engineers at one point said that they would not approve the project going forward if our firm, FACLdidn’t handle or oversee the project. But there are a lot of politics involved and outside of my relationship with the original artist of the mural, Ron Kammeyer, and the legal representation for saving the mural, I’ve gotten smiles, compliments and handshakes but not meaningful contact.

Ron was the first to contact me to assure me. But the vibe is that its in the hands of bureaucrats who may proceed without the benefit of my expertise. Here is some background on the fight to save this symbol of freedom as a historical part of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976.

Prado Dam Patriotic Mural near Corona Set to Start Restoration

The control of the Prado Dam located off of the 91 Freeway, (with its Bicentennial Freedom Mural on the dam’s spillway the size of six Mt. Rushmore monuments, at 120 feet tall and 664 feet long, with a 40-degree slope) is a complicated matter: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers controls the Prado Dam, a water-control spillway that has never been used since it was built in the pre-WWII 1941; the water rights are controlled by the City of Riverside; the vegetation and landscape around-along-surrounding the dam is overseen by the City of Corona. 5 communities totaling 7 million people (Orange County and Inland Empire) feel emotionally connected with it as “theirs” (and their politicians have all had something to say about this political fight to save the mural or sand blast it as the Army Corp of Engineers has wanted to do.

But, as you might guess, the government’s technical arguments for sand blasting the mural are not logical, don’t make sense. The artist’s rights legislation, V.A.R.A. has been tossed around but the prevailing weighty matter is whether it was a good political move and was the population in the area in favor of saving or sand blasting. The public opinion has been in overwhelming to save it.

Visible to almost a 1/3 of a million drivers a day traveling east on the 91 Freeway, today’s faded liberty bell and 13 stars representing the 13 colonies tagged with graffiti, still evokes a patriotic response from people. The red- white-and-blue-mural painted by Corona High School students to mark the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 has as its slogan, “200 Years of Freedom.”

Kammeyer, one of the mural’s original designers and artists, tells the story of speaking with then, US President Gerald Ford, and said that it should be preserved, according to the Friends of Prado Dam Mural’s website. “It’s the largest patriotic mural in America, and one of the most beloved,” said landscape architect

Kammeyer and the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles sued the Army Corp of Engineers in May 2015 seeking to stop their plans to sand blast off the graffiti and the mural. Soon after, as crews were ready to begin removing the faded mural, a federal judge issued an injunction temporarily blocking the Corps from altering or destroying the mural. The mural did not qualify for preservation as a national landmark, officials said in 2019. In April, U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal dismissed the lawsuit and lifted the federal injunction. Though supporters of restoring the mural were initially alarmed, the organizers have since worked with Army Corps officials and with the expertise and help of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories and Scott M. Haskins to arrange for the mural to be fully restored, with work to begin later this year. Corps spokesperson Dena O’Dell said in April that the judge’s ruling means the federal agency “can proceed with removing and abating the lead-based paint on the Prado Dam mural.” Riverside County spokesperson Brooke Federico said that the county’s flood control district is “committed to working with federal and local partners to get the mural restored.”Federal and county leaders met with mural advocates to sign an agreement and to discuss a plan and timeline to begin the restoration. Earlier this year, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, secured $2.5 million to be used by the Army Corps of Engineers to remove paint and graffiti and begin the restoration, with aid from the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Orange County Water District and the Friends of the Prado Dam Mural.

On a Tuesday, Aug. 30, statement, Calvert — who once called the mural “more graffiti than mural” and a “bad image” — expressed his support. He called it “as a source of pride for Corona residents and everyone in our region.” “The desire to restore the mural to its original condition is something that unites people across the political spectrum, and I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to contribute along with the other stakeholders to make that restoration a reality,” Calvert saidKammeyer said he fought “tenaciously,” rounding up thousands of letters in support of keeping the mural. For me, (this) represents 20-plus years of struggle, of making that promise to our president. It reminds people of that moment in time.” Kammeyer said. The goal is to have the mural “completely restored, hopefully, by July 4 of 2023.” Peter Usle, from the Friends of the Prado Dam Mural which is leading fundraising efforts — said five city councils — Corona, Eastvale, Norco, Chino and Chino Hills — signed resolutions “in support of returning the mural to its former glory.” “Not only does it express the ideals of our nation, it’s also been accepted as public art, and unlike other monuments of its kind, no one’s face is on it. So when viewing it, it touches you directly,” Usle said. This beloved mural, like the 1976 Bicentennial itself, brings people together with the spirit of patriotism and like you can readily hear said from those who work and live in the area, I know I’m home when I see it.

_________________

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=275283

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=275283

 

#ScottMHaskins @ScottMHaskins #ArtRestoration @ArtRestoration #MuralRestoration @MuralRestoration #HistoricPreservation @HistoricPreservation @FineArtConservationLaboratories #CityofCorona @CityofCorona #Riverside @Riverside
Posted in Consultations, Expert Witness/Legal Testimony, FACL in the media, Murals | Tagged | Leave a comment

Friends of the Mission Inn Art Conservation Team

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins

by Sue Bartel, Editor for Friends of the Mission Inn

(This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.)

The Friends of the Mission Inn have commissioned numerous conservators over the years to work on their projects. Our most prolific is Scott M. Haskins,· a renowned art conservator of fine art, expert, consultant, and author. Working professionally since 1975, Haskins specializes in consultations and conservation treatments of paintings and murals; however, his knowledge and abilities include art appraisal and authentication analysis. Owner of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.) in Santa Barbara, California, he and his team do private collection work, as well as traveling the United States and Europe working in museums and institutions.

FACL has conserved all of the artwork and designed the layout in the Spanish Art Gallery at the Mission Inn, Riverside, CA

Haskins has restored many well-known paintings in the collections at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa from 1984 through 2018. Notable restorations his company, FACL, has done funded by the Friends include: The Espousal of the Virgin, St. Francis and the Flying Cross, The Good Samaritan, Charge Up San Juan Hill, the two McBurney paintings, and the thirty-six California mission paintings by Henry Chapman Ford, highlighted by a PBS Special. The mission paintings are a national treasure to the history of California and greatly influenced the Spanish-style architecture in Riverside. Of course, they are an eminent part of the identity of the Mission Inn. All these significant restorations have been made possible by our committed members and donors, and attendees at our fundraisers. Most of the artwork at the Mission Inn has been financed by Duane Roberts and The Mission Inn which included all of the old masters’ works in the Spanish Art Gallery (over 100) and many others.

Henry Chapman Ford paintings of the Missions of California were saved from destruction

Featured speaker at a docent forum held at the hotel in 2017, Haskins said the main objective concerning the old masters’ paintings was preservation, as opposed to esthetic repairs, since they are displayed at a viewing distance. Also, the decision of the level of restoration of a particular piece and its cost often depends on the assessed recuperation of the original value. He described the many ways artwork is damaged (disasters, accidents, smoke, mold, bugs and misuse) and the variable scientific processes used to restore them.

Recently, it was announced that Haskins has been chosen Head of the Mural Conservation Team (working alongside the original muralist) to lead the team to restore the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Freedom Mural on the Corona/­Riverside Prado Dam. The team plans to restore the 45-year-old mural to its original state after being badly vandalized.

Restoration Projects Update by Skip Forster, Restoration Committee

The Friends of the Mission Inn Board has elected to retain conservator Scott Haskins of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories of Santa Barbara to conduct a review of the artifacts on our current corrective action list and recommend measures to be taken to restore them to good condition.

A partial list includes: restore the Japanese wedding lantern and Phoenix carving in the Ho-O-Kan, resurface the altar in St. Cecilia’s Chapel, treat the wooden columns flanking the Assisi statue in the Atria, and repair the frame on the 1st floor McBurney painting. Scott has a long and beneficial relationship with the Friends, the Inn, and the Roberts family. Foremost among many of Scott’s achievements is the restoration of the Henry Chapman Ford mission paintings, which was featured on a PBS special. With Scott’s help we hope to develop an ongoing plan of preventive maintenance to prevent our valuable artifacts from degradation and ruin.

Alessandra Solomon, FACL Conservation Technician, working at the Mission Inn

Questions about what Fine Art Conservation Laboratories can do for you and your organization? Call 805 564 3438 or write facloperations@gmail.com

 

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com.

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=271939

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=271939

Posted in Consultations, FACL in the media, Historic Buildings - Construction Sites, Historic Preservation, In Lab, Painting on canvas, Professional activities, Saving Public Art, Speaking Engagements | Tagged | 2 Comments

During Our Mural Restoration Project in the Heart of Hollywood We Saw Some Cool Stuff!

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins

Located in the area of the Hollywood Bowl, is the 1988 mural that was painted as a memorial to the successful research that controls AIDS, entitled “Blue Moon Trilogy,” that we restored for the city of Los Angeles this last month. Obviously, it’s in the middle of Hollywood and only a few blocks away from the epicenter of “Old Hollywood” along Hollywood Blvd. and Vine and the Chinese Theater, once designated as the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. In fact during the time we were working there, there were a couple of red carpet openings for new movies where they shut down the streets and bring out the lights and the crowds. Although we didn’t participate, it was fun to see. Here’s a picture of the Chinese theater in it a day and what it looks like today.

On the other side of the same parking lot we were using during our project, was an old ranch style building that turned out to be the very first movie studio in Hollywood and the famous Director Cecil B DeMille had his office in this building. If you’re curious look him up on wiki but he was very famous for the movies Cleopatra (1963) and The 10 Commandments (1956)!

The 1st Movie Studio in Hollywood

During a pause in our work on the mural, I wandered over to the historical museum and had a chat with the curator. As you can imagine, he had lots and lots of stories to tell. When he was pulled away for a meeting, I wandered through the exhibition areas and enjoyed looking at the collectibles in the collection of items that are so familiar to everyone who has seen these movies.

Scott Haskins with Cecil B. Demille’s Creations

The Samson and Deliah poster reminded me of an very large original work of art by illustrator Norman Rockwell that Anthony Christensen, a friend and client of ours, proudly shows in his gallery at Fine Art and Antiques in Salt Lake City.

Also, invitated to help with the Hollywood blockbuster, The Ten Commandments, was another illustrator, Arnold Friberg whose original work we have also seen at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories. This is one of many sketches produced by Arnold Friberg during his collaboration with DeMille and Academy-Award-Winning costume designer Edith Head. This sketched scene is for “Joseph Interpreting the Dream of Pharoah” also at Anthony Christensen Fine Art and Antiques in SLC, Utah.

Taking care of collectibles and restoration questions? Call 805 564 3438 Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon, Art Conservators

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? 

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=271029

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=271029

#cecilbdemille #hollywoodcollectibles#samsonanddelilah #10Commandments#cleopatra #bluemoontrilogy#muralconservation @Scott M. Haskins @Luisa Pari @Anthony’s Antiques & Fine Art

 

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Posted in Travel | Tagged | Leave a comment

Protecting Collectibles at Home – A painful lesson to be learned from the “professionals” at the Borghese Gallery in Rome

Posted on May 5, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins
This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

A painful lesson to be learned from the “professionals” at the Borghese Gallery in Rome for protecting collectibles at home.

Yesterday afternoon, May 4, a tourist fell in front of the work of the 1610 canvas of St. Francis receiving the stigmata, at the Galleria Borghese in Rome during the exhibition “Il sacro e la natura,”dedicated to the Bolognese painter Guido Reni. In losing her balance, the woman accidentally damaged the canvas causing a cut of about 2”.  The reason for the fall of the tourist is not yet clear.  There are those who claim that the lady had a faint and, in an attempt not to tumble to the ground, she tried to cling to the barriers that separate visitors from the works on display, except not being able to avoid bumping into the painting.  Still others argue that the damage to the work was due to a “misstep” by the tourist, who would have tripped over the staging of the exhibition and, risking to fall, involuntarily bumped into the work, damaging it.

According to reports from other visitors, however, the lady would not be the first person to stumble upon the dividers placed at calf height between the works and visitors. In fact, on the day of the inauguration of the exhibition, a journalist fell after tripping between the “barriers”, fortunately without damaging the works on display.

Ripped… and then ripped some more from being leaned on in storage. It looks like Mr. Bean was in change!

Displaying cherished or valuable works of art and collectibles at home or the office should always take into consideration foot traffic, overly active visitors (grandchildren?), can a pet get to the collectible and whether do you live in earthquake country, hurricane country etc.  My personal space experience is that people are often oblivious to the safety of the artwork as they go about the creative process of decorating. I’ve also seen works of art lose significant value when they are damaged. Besides placement considerations in homes and offices, lots of things get damaged in storage as things are leaned on each other without proper protection, FYI.

I post often about the care and thinking process that needs to take place when you are hanging/displaying artwork. One idea I always suggest, always over-engineer the “hanging system.” If your painting and frame weigh 10 lbs, what’s the harm in using a 100 lb hook on the wall? In fact, use two!! Do you live in a hurricane , tornado or earthquake area… ore next to a military complex with supersonic jets? I’ve seen knocked over and valuable paintings fall from the wall from sonic booms!! Your art hanging needs will be different if you live in areas where your building make shake than if you live out in the middle of nowhere in NV… but, consider that active grandkids can be just as dangerous for your treasured collectibles.  Learn a valuable lesson from the team at the Borghese Gallery in Rome with this article!

So, there you go! I just saved you between $1,000 and $10,000 in repair costs (+ loss of value?)!!! 

Another suggestion would be the use of an anchoring wax to hold things in place in case of impact or vibrations. On YouTube search for “museum wax, Scott Haskins“

You’re welcome!

Questions? Call Scott M. Haskins or Virginia Panizzon, Art Conservators 805 564 3438 faclofficemanager@gmail.com

This can be infuriating because this damage was TOTALLY avoidable! Fixed correctly, this could be a $500 – $2,000 repair depending on several details… or your favorite do-it-yourselfer could fix it with some wood glue and a bottle of gold colored paint and have it look “ghetto’ for the next few decades.

Syndication

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=270629

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=270629

Posted in Art Storage and Transport, Disaster/Emergency Response | Tagged | Leave a comment

Restoration Of An Heirloom Painting Testimonial, Pasadena, Los Angeles, California

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Scott M. Haskins
This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

It may be treasured but is it worth it?

This rip can be made to disappear.

I’m often out meeting people throughout Los Angeles and Orange County to discuss art conservation questions for their paintings at people’s homes and offices (we pick up and deliver with people I meet). And this last week I consulted for a couple of projects for the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs also.

Artworks and heirlooms being passed down to the next generation are full of memories… “triggers” for good family history stories and I always enjoy speaking with people about their family heirlooms. These types of items with positive vibes help people to remember their loved ones. But even though these types of items have most often been treasured, once they change hands as they have been passed down in the family, I am often asked, “Is it worth restoring?”

Insurance adjuster checking on damage

How can something be priceless when its not worth anything? What is worth saving and protecting of our “stuff?”  Some people “get it” at a DNA level that family history is important for lots of profound reasons and some of those reasons are multigenerational. Other need some time to come to their senses.

Consider that there is financial value, emotional value and/or historical value to be considered. It’s doubly nice when your emotional ties or historical connection, like with a family heirloom, is also a really nice work of art. Affecting value, is the condition and the needed oil painting restoration (painting conservation, art conservation, art restoration) like rip repair, cleaning a painting, flaking paint repair.

This family in Pasadena, California is now handing down the treasures that the parents collected as their family grew. There are lots of memories. We were honored to preserve, restore and assist them with a couple of dozen items. This is their quick testimonial.

Here is our webpage for other testimonials. Scroll down the page… I think you’ll find several of the examples interesting and entertaining: https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/testimonials

Here is our YouTube playlist of other testimonials for family heirlooms: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL41D80C1C65FF2CE7

Questions call 805 564 3438

FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon Art Conservators

 

This article has been syndicated

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=269294

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=269294

Posted in Consultations, In Lab, Insurance, Painting on canvas, Testimonials | Tagged | Leave a comment