A saga defines itself by its endurance, and E.J. Hughes's 1938 mural, Captain Malaspina Sketching the Galleries of Gabriola, is an expanded tale of our visual history. This mural measures 2.75 x 5.2 x .216 metres (9 x 17 x 0.71 feet), and is presently in six sections since being removed in 1996 from the now-demolished Malaspina Hotel in Nanaimo, B.C. In preparation for its removal, thousands of squares of tissue were applied to cover the painted surface of the mural. These tissue layers protected fragile areas.

E.J. Hughes mural prior to removal from Malaspina Hotel. Wood studs are attached to front of mural

Detached piece of concrete, mortar and plaster

In the past, the mural was moved several times and stored under varied conditions, which included freezing temperatures, wet conditions, and desiccating heat. Thirteen years later, this impressive mural with its monumental figures and colourful and lively composition, is being readied for installation within the Nanaimo Conference Centre.

Conservation treatment commenced in January 2008, and it was impossible to see the present day condition of the mural until the tissue layers were removed. As the tissue was removed, a number of additional structural challenges were discovered, such as an irregular detachment and cracking of original paint along the perimeter of each mural section. The painting had separated from its underlying plaster layer and it was necessary to invent multi-stage methods to re-attach the paint to the plaster.

The sides of each section of the mural were found to be crushed and damaged. A dramatic moment occurred when I delicately removed tissue along a section's corner, and a piece of the concrete, mortar, and plaster detached in a sizable lump. The original painting was largely intact, as it had attached itself to the underside of the protective tissue covering the face of the mural. The area was repaired and the underlying painting was retained.

After a year of additional structural repairs, the conservation treatment nears completion, bringing the mural closer to its return to public display. A further few months will be required for the final preparation of the mural sections, mural installation, and the finishing stages of the project. This nationally important project has extended from an approximated four-month project to what is now expected to encompass 14 months.

This mural project has expanded beyond its image, with the presentation of a series of multi-component events. The Hughes Celebration will include the mural dedication and the premiere of an E.J. Hughes documentary film entitled E.J. Hughes: The Restoration. The events will also include an exhibition of rarely seen E.J. Hughes artwork, workshops, lectures and educational programming.

For further information regarding these upcoming events, visit the Nanaimo Art Gallery's website: nanaimoartgallery.com.

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