FORLORN SOLDIER CONDITION ASSESSMENT & TRETMENT PROPOSAL

Transcription

1 February, 2013 FORLORN SOLDIER CONDITION ASSESSMENT & TRETMENT PROPOSAL Submitted To: Submitted By: Francis Miller, Conservator 19 Lansdowne Avenue Hamden, CT Office: Cell: Date: February 7,

2 February, 2013 MONUMENT INFORMATION Title: Forlorn Soldier Artist: Attributed to Charles Conrads Dedication Date: 1976 Owner: Materials: Sculpture: CT Valley Sandstone Base: Granite SURVEY CONDITIONS A site condition assessment was conducted. The weather was overcast and raining. CONSERVATION HISTORY The sculpture was treated by John Zito. The sculpture was cleaned, loose material chiseled back in preparation of fills, the surfaces consolidated, and the bottom legs and feet patched with Jahn patching mortar. CONDITION Surface Soiling The surfaces are soiled with organic growth and possible surface staining. Stone Integrity The body has been tooled to sound stone. The head and regions in the deep cracks are friable. Cracks The sculpture has deep surface cracks and is sheeting along bedding plains. The front of the body and the back, have large regions releasing, where light can clearly be seen between the separating surfaces. Numerous smaller cracks can be found throughout the sculpture with extensive cracking on the face along losses. Losses The sculpture has substantial loss from outdoor exposure, such as the loss of the hat brim, facial detail, hands, riffle, coat, belt, bayonet, lower legs and feet. Recent Surface Tooling Additional loss has occurred from the recent tooling process. The removal of the material has caused a change in surface color and texture. The chisel marks form a whitish appearance, causing a contrasting tonality. Lower Surface Patching The recent patching has a different surface color than the surrounding stone. Stability The sculpture appears to have been stabilized by the recent patching of the lower legs and feet. The attachment system to the lower granite, currently obscured by sand stone blocks, is unknown. 2

3 February, 2013 STONE RECOMMENDATIONS Goals The goal is to provide a stabilized aged appearance with acceptance of the losses and recent surface tooling. The approach to the treatment will vary depending on the final display conditions of the sculpture. It is highly recommended to display the object indoors as an artifact, rather that outdoors as a continued public sculpture. Continued display outdoors will result in additional loss and considerable maintenance. Surface Stabilization Prior to rigging, the large sheeting regions will be stabilized with 316 stainless steel pins and epoxy, and injection mortars. Rigging and Transportation The client needs to decide if the granite base is desirable. The sculpture can be removed from the granite if needed. The object will be rigged with clean nylon slings and loading onto a wood skid with appropriate foam and blanket blocking to prevent breaking detail. The sculpture will be transported to Hamden CT for treatment. General Cleaning It is recommended to clean the stone of general soiling with a non-ionic detergent and pressurized water (with careful adjustment of pressure, appropriate 40 degree fan-tip nozzle and appropriate working distance). If the sculpture is to be displayed outdoors, cleaning should also be done with antimicrobial agents, such as quaternary ammonium solutions, such as Biowash or D/2. Stain Removal Surface staining can be locked into the stone matrix with the application of stone consolidants. If additional consolidation is required, tests will be done to determine the feasibility of stain removal. Consolidation If excessive friability is found in the deep recesses, additional consolidation may be requires with ProSoCo OH-100. Injections and Fills The primary purpose of crack injections will be for the stabilization of the sculpture. If it is decided to display the object outdoors, additional injections will be done to prevent water ingress. Injections will be done with tinted Jahn injection grouts and filled with Jahn patching material blended with like crushed stone dusts to match the adjoining color and texture. Patches and Loss Replacement The primary goal will emphasize minimal intervention. There will be no loss replacement or patches to the tooled regions of stone. If the client desires fills and patching to the sculpture, a plan will be submitted after joint review of the sculpture with the client noting exact surface conditions and desired surface modifications. A separate proposal will be submitted after his review. Lower Recent Patches If the client finds the coloration of the recent patches too distracting, tests will be done with surface stains to alter the outer appearance. If staining is found aesthetically undesirable after client review, the patches will be tooled to allow for new patching material. 3

4 February, 2013 Structural Stabilization If it is found that the sculpture is unstable on the self base, the base will be cored from the bottom and 316 stainless steel pins inserted upward into sound portions of stone in the legs. The pins will be set with Jahn injection grout. Instillation The sculpture will be installed in the lobby of the State Capitol. The cost is based on access to the doors facing Bushnell Park, in the room housing the large, original plaster sculpture of the winged Genius. The cost does not include special permits or work during non-business hours. DOCUMENTATION All aspects of the conservation treatment will be done in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). As part of this documentation, a Conservation Treatment Report will be provided and will include written and photographic documentation. The written report will describe in detail all processes and materials used for the conservation, including product information/msds. The photographic documentation will consist of digital images of before, during, and after conditions. 4

5 February, 2013 LINE ITEM BUDGET COSTS Cost Notes The budget is presented by line item for review of cost. Not all phases may be necessary or desired by the client at this time. Site Requirements The sculpture will be brought to Hamden Ct for repairs. Forlorn Soldier People/Day Labor Cost Materials Equip Trav 100/d Rental Line Item Total 1. Documentation 1p 1d Stabilization 1p 1d Rigging and Transportation 1p 1d ,000 4, General Cleaning 1p.5d Stain Removal 1p.5d Consolidation 1p.5d Injections and Fills 1p 6d 7 4, , Patches N/A at this time Lower Recent Patches 1p 3d 3 2, , Structural Stabilization 2p 2d 4 2, , Reinstallation Site must be 1p 1d ,500 5,200 reviewed Subtotal 22,925 CLIENT APPROVAL OWNER APPROVAL TO PROCEED The client has read the assessment and proposal and agrees to proceed with the recommended treatments and to pay for all associated costs. The project will be billed in three payments after substantial completion of each major phase. Owner Signature Title Date Client Signature Title Date 5

6 February, 2013 CONDITION PHOTOGRAPHS Front overview of the monument. Overview of the head showing severe loss. Detail of sheeting stone on the front coat. Detail of the tooled stone showing the color shift and scratched appearance. 6

7 February, 2013 Detail of the lower carving showing the recently patched surfaces on the legs and feet. 7