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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Daniel Barreiro, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: March 24, 2021
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Approval for a contract to Clean and Restore Murals at the G.A.R. Memorial Hall.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for a resolution to accept a bid from Third Coast Conservation L. Liparini Studio from Chicago, Illinois in the not to exceed amount of $41,134.50 for the restoration and cleaning of the murals at the G.A.R. Hall.
BACKGROUND:
Four stucco-fresco paintings, colloquially called murals, were painted in the Angel Room of the G.A.R. Hall in 1877 and have been heavily damaged from over a decade of oil smoke, tobacco smoke, and improper climate control within the building. In addition, a good portion of the original murals have been painted over, but this project will not attempt to uncover those lost sectors to ensure no further damage is done to the visible portions. The North mural depicts George Washington, the East mural is of Admiral David Farragut, the South mural is of Abraham Lincoln, and the West mural is of General George Thomas. The murals of Washington and Lincoln need little explanation, as the building was fundraised by the Soldiers Monument Association after the Civil War. Admiral Farragut, the famous Civil War Naval Officer, led the capture of New Orleans, assisted General Grant's forces at the Battle of Vicksburg, and led his fleet to victory in Mobile Bay, Alabama. General George Thomas was one of the few Southern-born military officers to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War. The 36th Illinois Infantry, the Fox River Regiment, fought under Thomas at Chickamauga, Chattanooga, during the Atlanta Campaign, the Battle of Peachtree, and the Battle of Nashville.
Museum staff believe the frescoes were previously touched up, but the work done led to further damage. Some portions of the West mural were repainted, and all four murals were coated with a protective barrier. Unfortunate...
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