In process photomosaic stitching together mission dolores mural in Adobe Photoshop, Ben Wood 2004
The Project
Projection of Sacred Hearts onto Basilica Dome, 2004
Digital documentation of the Mission Dolores Mural began in January of 2004. The initial endeavor was exploratory. There was no clear understanding of the nature or condition
of the mural when this project began. Subsequent to these initial explorations, a more systematic method was developed for capturing sequenced images of the mural. These photographs have been reassembled and a mosaic of digital photographs completed which has rendered the best representation of this rare artwork.
Varied media outlets have covered the mural including a headline story in the San Francisco Chronicle, television coverage on most local news stations as well as radio coverage on National Public radio as far as Boston. Digital renderings of the artwork have been used by Senator Barbara Boxer in arguing for funding for the restoration of the missions. The project received the California Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for 2004.
of the mural when this project began. Subsequent to these initial explorations, a more systematic method was developed for capturing sequenced images of the mural. These photographs have been reassembled and a mosaic of digital photographs completed which has rendered the best representation of this rare artwork.
Varied media outlets have covered the mural including a headline story in the San Francisco Chronicle, television coverage on most local news stations as well as radio coverage on National Public radio as far as Boston. Digital renderings of the artwork have been used by Senator Barbara Boxer in arguing for funding for the restoration of the missions. The project received the California Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for 2004.
Preserving the Mural
In the immediate present there are numerous ways to make the mural accessible in order to create awareness about it and ultimately fund the conservation of the painted reredos and the fraternal-twin reredos that covers it. The 1796 altar that covers the mural is also in desperate need of conservation and both are in danger in the event of an earthquake.
A primary concern is to ensure that the mural doesn't deteriorate further. A disadvantage of the murals “a Secco” process are that the pigments merely lie on the surface and do not sink into the stucco and are therefore more susceptible to flaking off over time. A priority should be to record more of the mural before it does.
Further investigative photography could be carried out to see what remains of the lower 22 ft by 15 ft expanse. So far our work has been an exploratory investigation of the murals top section. Further digital photography would be an immediate and inexpensive alternative to conserving the mural, while funds are raised to carry out an expensive conservation of it. There are several ways of sharing the mural that can help raise awareness about it as well as potential funding in order to conserve both the altar and mural.
A primary concern is to ensure that the mural doesn't deteriorate further. A disadvantage of the murals “a Secco” process are that the pigments merely lie on the surface and do not sink into the stucco and are therefore more susceptible to flaking off over time. A priority should be to record more of the mural before it does.
Further investigative photography could be carried out to see what remains of the lower 22 ft by 15 ft expanse. So far our work has been an exploratory investigation of the murals top section. Further digital photography would be an immediate and inexpensive alternative to conserving the mural, while funds are raised to carry out an expensive conservation of it. There are several ways of sharing the mural that can help raise awareness about it as well as potential funding in order to conserve both the altar and mural.
Selected Articles and Related Information
Association of Ramaytush Ohlone Association Website
Ben Wood, Projecting History in Public Space
Mission Dolores Mural Project Website
"The Hidden Mural at Mission Dolores", Historical Essay
"New Mission District mural brings to life what used to lie beneath San Francisco", NBC Bay Area News 2011
"Mission Dolores mural now a piece of art history", San Francisco Chronicle, 2011
"Centuries-old murals revealed in Mission Dolores / Indians' hidden paintings open window into S.F.'s sacred past", San Francisco Chronicle 2004
Ben Wood, Projecting History in Public Space
Mission Dolores Mural Project Website
"The Hidden Mural at Mission Dolores", Historical Essay
"New Mission District mural brings to life what used to lie beneath San Francisco", NBC Bay Area News 2011
"Mission Dolores mural now a piece of art history", San Francisco Chronicle, 2011
"Centuries-old murals revealed in Mission Dolores / Indians' hidden paintings open window into S.F.'s sacred past", San Francisco Chronicle 2004