As a fine art and mural conservator, I am often on large onsite conservation projects. Some projects include the painted rotundas of the Legislature Buildings in Victoria, the original stenciled walls of Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral, and the recent removal of two murals from Jack and Doris Shadbolt’s longtime residence in Burnaby, B.C.
Conservation requires an understanding of methods and materials used to create a work of art, and how they age. An expertise of numerous treatment methods is essential. In addition to their large size, murals provide challenges and introduce varying working conditions. For a successful project, knowledge of architectural structures, construction methods and materials is required. Onsite mural projects often coincide with larger building restorations, reconstruction, or demolition simultaneously underway. Project management and coordination with other contractors adds to a project’s appeal. Onsite projects offer an opportunity to learn new ideas and to adopt methods from other occupations.
One of Conserv-Arte’s ongoing onsite projects is the uncovering and repair of atmospheric murals originally painted for the Columbia Theatre when it opened in 1927. Renamed to honour the locally born actor, the Raymond Burr Performing Art Centre, is located in New Westminster, British Columbia. The Burr Theatre has a history spanning from vaudeville and silent films to wrestling competitions and use as a clubhouse for the Fraternal Order of Eagles. This heritage theatre has been reclaimed for performances for a contemporary community.
Atmospheric themes, such as, colourful carnivals or shimmering deserts were once popular faux environments used to decorate interiors of theatres throughout Canada and the United States. The Burr Theatre’s interior and architectural motifs have been influenced by classical and Moroccan designs. Atmospheric murals are painted along the interior walls at each side of the stage and create a fantasy garden with classical buildings and lush foliage. Strikingly coloured skies with lavender clouds dappled with silver-leafed stars extend upward from the landscapes and span across the theatre’s ceiling to the opposite wall’s garden scene. The John Girvan Studios designed and painted the Burr Theatre’s murals, in addition to numerous theatres and buildings across Canada.
Over the past decades, the interior has been renovated and covered with many layers of paint. This conservation project entails the removal of six to eight layers of paint to uncover the murals and adjacent architectural motifs. Old repairs, water damage, and reattaching flaking layers of the mural have been additional issues. The Burr Theatre is believed to be one of the last atmospheric theatres existing in Canada.
Murals are demanding projects, but they can be fun. The Burr is a functioning theatre with auditions, rehearsals, and stage scenes being designed and built. As I listen from the top of my scaffold installed to a side of the theatre’s stage, I have learned lines from plays, songs from the pantomime season, and enjoyed the antics and activities of the theatre’s director, actors, stage crew and personnel. A favorite part of onsite projects is meeting people, experiencing their environment, and introducing the art of conservation to others.
Public art and architecture are unique forms of our Canadian heritage. To view this ongoing mural project in person, visit the Burr Theatre.
