Conservation of Outdoor Collections Damaged by Hurricane Irma

FAIN: PB-260693-18

DeEtte Holden Cummer Museum Foundation (Jacksonville, FL 32204-3336)
Holly Keris (Project Director: November 2017 to June 2019)

Fees, travel costs, and daily expenses for a conservator and technicians, along with the purchase of conservation materials such as solvents, wax, and grouts, to treat three bronze sculptures and three fountains.

The historic Cummer Gardens sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Irma and the subsequent unprecedented levels of storm surge flooding.  The lower tier of all three formal garden spaces, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remained submerged for approximately 24 hours in as much as four feet of water.  This emergency grant would cover the expense of bringing in a team of conservators to treat six artworks--three outdoor sculptures and three fountains--that are on permanent display in the historic gardens.  The storm surge waters deposited oily and corrosive contaminants onto the outdoor artworks.  To remove pollutants and prevent future corrosion, all bronze pieces will need to have their contaminated wax removed and clean wax applied, and all marble elements must be cleaned thoroughly, including possible poultice application.  Artworks will also be inspected for corrosion of internal armatures and other instability caused by the movement of the floodwater.