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Getting the correct information to plan for the preservation and restoration of a historic mural can be a problem... and getting the wrong info can be an expensive and time wasting process. I recently was called by an Army base in Texas with a cautious request: How much would I charge to come to the base, evaluate and estimate the options for the art conservation treatments of a mural painted by a WWII POW?
The caller was first stupefied that I would charge so little. Then was reticent to tell me they had just finished dealing with an historic preservation firm in Florida that charged them $45K to evaluate and plan the work. They did a battery of scientific tests and analysis and then gave them a bid that was more than triple the reasonable amount AND did not answer their questions or meet their needs. What an administrative mess it created.
I was surprised that they, after having spent the time and money, would still want to move forward with getting the job done right. In the end, we split the project into phases for easier budgeting and they spent less for us to estimate the project AND complete the 1st phase than they paid for just the $45K 1” useless report alone.
Click on this very short video introduction and example of consultation
One of the complications on a project like mural conservation that can arise is the balancing of interests from several different entities that are associated with the project in one way or another. An experienced conservation professional with good communications skills is a major asset that doesn’t reflect in the budget.
Scott M. Haskins has been consulting on mural projects and has been performing the preservation, conservation and restoration work on murals since 1975. The professional expertise that he has acquired is indeed versatile and can be put to work for your project. In fact, much of the reputation of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.) is based on difficult problem solving both on the wall and is based on our ability and determination to work well as a team member on a construction site. However, in order for Scott Haskins to be interested, the potential project does not need to be high profile, have difficult problems and be a logistical nightmare. Small, straightforward projects will also get the due respect and attention.
Fine Art Conservation Laboratories is made up of two experienced office managers, 3 experienced art conservators (all over 15 years after training), a conservation technician and other support personnel as needed. On large projects, team organization and working with numerous committees is an important ability. In these cases, an excellent quality team of professional associates comes together to contribute a great depth of experience in craftsmanship and talent, problem solving expertise, analytical capabilities, professionalism and art connoisseurship.
As can be seen on the Mural Capability Statement below (click on the link), mural restoration projects have been performed in Italy, England and in 14 states in the US. Traveling great distances, even internationally, to inspect, plan and review your project is not a problem.
Here are some remarks from clients, other art conservation professionals, contractors and project administrators:
Mark Garrido, Project Manager for the General Contractor on the project posted the following on linkedin for Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.).
"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
“I am working primarily on mural projects these days. You are truly an inspiration in our field! Thanks Scott for your videos! Deborah Uhl, Mural Conservator, Colorado
“The monies spent for your services are the best money we ever spent (consultation, collection survey, project proposals and reporting materials)” Wendy Adair, VP of University Achievement, Texas Southern University, TSU), Houston, Texas http://www.tsumurals.com
“Scott, you may be the best conservator I know in the country. I have enjoyed working with you more than I can express.” Perry Huston, Past AIC President, Dallas, Texas http://www.fairparkmurals.com
“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. Mr. Al Albano, Consultant, Piazzoni Mural Project, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco.
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. Dr. Carl Grim, Chief Conservator, De Young Museum
Scott M. Haskins, Mural Conservator, on a 75 ft. boom lift
to evaluate the condition of Anthony Quinn as the “Pope of Broadway”
Murals that are commonly included in renovation contracts are paintings that were created as part of the Works Projects Administration and are known as “WPA Art.” The specialized expertise presented in this article and video is of most interest to maintenance department directors, historic preservation architects, construction firms and general contractors that do historic preservation work and government agencies letting contracts that include mural restoration. Whether in the private sector or an organizations in charge of the care of public art collections, those renovating historic homes with decorative painting and murals will find this of interest.
Click Here for Mural Conservation Capabilities Statement: http://www.fineartconservationlab.com/mural/
Click Here for Restoration Consultation Clients: http://www.fineartconservationlab.com/consultations/
Contact info:
Scott M. Haskins
805 564 3438 Office, 805 570 4140 mobile (California)
See short lab tour video:
http://www.FineArtConservationLab.com
YouTube Channel for mural restoration/conservation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE1FF71CC598A8E79
Click on the above image to view the video
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