It’s not often that the day to day of a conservators crosses over with that of a zookeeper, but when yet another whimsical animal sculpture by Chicago artist John Kearney (1924-2014) came through the doors of The Center, we were ready to take care of a giraffe! We have had lots of experience treating Kearney sculptures in the past, so when our client found this piece at an auction, Andrew Rigsby, associate conservator of furniture, was prepared for the challenge ahead.
The giraffe prior to treatment.
In iconic Kearney fashion, the giraffe towered above all of us and was crafted from salvaged car bumpers welded together. Having been previously stored outside, the sculpture exhibited heavy corrosion throughout all surfaces, and the welds had been corroded. A previous attempt at repair had left the sculpture coated with aluminum paint, and the coating was failing across all of the surfaces. The belly area had been severely compromised and was missing three large sections of material. Multiple areas had collections of organic material, mostly concentrated inside the feet and head, and there were several insect nests in the interior back and neck. There were also multiple areas of active biological growth throughout.
Close-ups of areas of damage, and the wasps nests that were discovered inside.
Andrew rolled up his sleeves: the sculpture was photographed for in-house documentation before and after treatment. Organic material and biological growth were removed using appropriate methods and materials, adhering to conservation standards.
Treatment included power-washing the sculpture outdoors, to make sure all organic material was removed.
The aluminum coating was removed from all surfaces, and areas of corrosion were chemically treated. Finally, a finishing coating was applied to ensure the sculpture could be safely displayed outdoors.
Watch our conservator clean the sculpture during treatment.
This giraffe, restored to its former glory, is ready to return to nature, now preserved for years to come!
The giraffe after treatment.
