Condition
The surface of the mural was damaged by heat and smoke; the paint had peeled off and blistered, the smoke and soot had caused darkening and discolouration of the media, and the mural was predominantly charcoaled in the lower section where the fire had been set.
In the middle section – between the door frame and the poster, where the fire would have been at its hottest – the painting was irrecoverable due to the paint and plaster losses.
The lower part of the painted mural (about 4m from street level) had an isolating coat applied over the paint (most likely polyurethane). The heat of the fire partially caused peeling of this layer, which was largely discoloured by the smoke. Areas of peeling in other parts of the mural were due to natural degradation of the material.
Melted plastic from the bins was attached to the wall as result of the fire.
Due to the nature of the damage, restorative work was required and carried out in consultation with the artist. Peter Day undertook two site visits during the works to advise and oversee the project.
Treatment
- Dry clean surface of the areas damage by smoke
- Consolidationof the paint surface
- Repair of the damagedrender
- Infill paint losses
- Undercoating of areasrequiring repainting
- Top coating with twocoats to match the existing base colour
- Recreationof painted detailed mural elements
Before treatment
After treatment
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