The J Paul Getty Museum

Project: Preparation and Conservation in Decorative Arts

Location: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA

Commission: Faux finishing seismic mounts and Conservation in-painting of scratches on acquisitions

The Getty Museum is located in earthquake territory and houses fine antiquities, mosaics, vases, sculptures, and furnishings. Genius preparators create earthquake-safe mounts for each of these precious objects to prevent damage during times of seismic activity. Each of these mounts was to be disappeared into the surface on which it rested. I was commissioned to faux finish these mounts to match their location, usually a marble or jasper table top.

When acquisitions need repair, conservators go to work to restore their original beauty. Small damages, such as nicks and scratches, are repaired with reversible paint or wax to fill the losses. Colors and textures must match exactly. I was commissioned to do some “in-painting" on furniture, sculpture, and paintings.