What do the painted history on Fair Park’s murals have in common with our own, living bodies? They both need sunscreen for vital protection from the elements. Without sun precautions, Fair Park’s murals will be fading fast; the paint used on the murals in 1936 just wasn’t made to stand up to today’s harsh hot sun and pollutants.
Fortunately, help has come in a big way. The City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department recently received a federal grant of $300,000 through the Save America’s Treasures program, administered by the National Park Service. It was the only project from Texas chosen to receive one of these grants. What’s more, the city will match the grant with bond funds.
“We’re very excited to now have the resources to protect these important, invaluable works of art,” says Louise Elam, Facility Development Manager for the Parks & Recreation Department. “The sun screening devices will preserve the murals for future generations to enjoy.”
Blocking the light, but not the beauty.
The devices will be fixed between the columns of the Centennial Building, next to murals that depict various modes of transportation. “These are mechanical shades that substantially filter out direct sunlight without touching the mural,” explains Ms. Elam. “The shades can be moved up and down as needed.”
Fading paint has also made the murals look blotchy, and the sunscreens will help reduce this. The first conservation effort for murals in 2001 filled in lost and deteriorating painted areas with colorfast paint, this only provided temporary relief. In coming years and as funding allows, other Fair Park building murals will receive sunscreens. And the visions of the past will live on in full, rather than faded glory.
