VIDEO SERIES
One way for us to explore all aspects of preservation, is through in-depth experiences with some of the excellent minds and artists working in the field. Our ongoing video series will leap into topics around preservation, conservation, history and advocacy so that we can understand the work and the view points of these important heritage holders. We begin with a unique adventure into the conservation of our 1930’s miniature of Hollywood. Please join us!
CONSERVATION IN MINIATURE
PART FOUR: CLEANING
In Part Four of our series, our conservator Donna Williams demonstrates her basic approach to cleaning the miniature. All of the preparation from the previous videos comes in handy as she goes over the approved area with a special HEPA vacuum and a set of brushes. It is again a practice of patience, since it is not about quick results. With a number of delicate pieces, especially the foliage, it is essential to take time and perform the cleaning precisely. The small section she cleans reveals hidden colors and some insight into how the miniature has changed over the years. Join us for this interesting next step in the process of conserving this incredible shap shot into the history of Hollywood Boulevard.
CONSERVATION IN MINIATURE
PART THREE: PREPARATION
In Part Three of our series, In this third installment of our Conservation in Miniature series, Donna Williams walks us through her process of preparation before she cleans the miniature. Since there are many small and loose pieces from the model, it is easy to vacuum something up that is then lost or damaged. She shows us how she checks for issues and then plans how she will tackle the area needing work. This is a process that requires patience and close attention to detail. There are many items on the model that are irreplaceable, and with the previous damage to the work it is difficult at times to confirm if a loose item is in its proper place. Donna takes time to show how she double and triple checks everything before cleaning can begin.
CONSERVATION IN MINIATURE
PART TWO: DOCUMENTATION
In Part Two of our series, we look at the important process of record-keeping required on any conservation project. The miniature has so many pieces and parts that tracking their placement becomes part of the workflow. Donna Williams walks through how she breaks the process down, as well as shares some of her favorite pieces from the work. She also explores the issues that arise when tending to work like this, especially one that was augmented several times during its 90 years of existence. With different degrees of artistry, it means some changes were not as well-executed as others. The question becomes what is the best way to handle these changes and what is the best approach.
CONSERVATION IN MINIATURE
PART ONE: THE LAY OF THE LAND
Part One in a series exploring approaches to conservation. We focus on a 1930's miniature of Hollywood, which spent many years in storage and in disrepair. Our conservationist at Hollywood Heritage, Donna Williams, walks us through her process of how she rehabilitates the model. This unique piece of artwork, which is 12 feet by 12 feet in three sections, requires patience and skill to bring it back to its former state. The model provides ongoing challenges as we explore the meaning of preservation. Given that the model was updated in the 1980s, including the adding of fiber optic cable and adding touchups, the question arises - do we restore the model to the 1980s or the 1930s? We hope you join us as the series unfolds.