When several pieces by Martyl Langsdorf (American, 1917-2013) came to The Conservation Center from the Schaumburg Library for treatment, we were honored to help preserve these important works. Watch the treatment of a large-scale triptych in the video below, and then scroll down to learn more about the treatments and Martyl’s legacy.
Treating the Hoover Dam Triptych:
The Schaumburg Township District Library, serving the communities of Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood, is more than just a place for books—it’s a hub for art, culture, and history. The library welcomes over 1 million visitors annually across its three branches, offering access not only to literary resources but to remarkable works of art. Among these treasures are several pieces by Martyl Suzanne Schweig Langsdorf, a Chicago-based artist whose work has had a profound impact on the worlds of both art and science.
Martyl’s works installed at the Schaumburg Library prior to treatment, courtesy of their social media.
The 1947 edition of the bulletin, featuring Martyl’s Doomsday Clock.
Martyl is perhaps best known for designing the Doomsday Clock in 1947, which became an enduring symbol of the existential threats posed by nuclear weapons. As the clock's hands shift annually to reflect global peril -- from atomic weapons to climate change -- it serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's vulnerability. However, Martyl's influence goes far beyond this iconic symbol. Throughout her career, she produced abstract landscapes, murals, and public works that reflect a unique blend of artistic vision and a deep concern for the state of the world. She was also a passionate advocate for the preservation of her home, the Schweikher House in Schaumburg, which remains a testament to her artistic and personal legacy.
The Treatments:
Before treatment.
Before treatment.
Each piece underwent a meticulous conservation process, beginning with in-house photography for documentation before and after treatment. Surface cleaning was performed using appropriate conservation methods and materials to remove grime, dust, and other contaminants. Further treatments were carried out based on the condition of each individual artwork, such as consolidating lifting fibers with conservation-grade adhesives or applying a non-aqueous deacidification spray to stabilize the paper.
Each work was carefully removed from its frame for treatment.
The mats were carefully removed from the pieces.
Then, hinges that had been previously taped to the verso were carefully removed.
Adhesive was gently removed from the verso.
Areas of lifting paper were re-adhered using wheat starch paste.
The surfaces were cleaned using crumbled eraser.
Areas of lifting fibers were consolidated using methylcellulose.
The surfaces were cleaned with a soft brush.
Areas of water staining were compensated using pastel.
After treatment.
After treatment.
One of the most challenging pieces we worked on was a large triptych of the Hoover Dam, which presented several obstacles due to its size and condition. Hoover Dam was a generous donation to the Schaumburg Library from the family of Martyl Langsdorf. The artwork had arrived rolled, which caused significant distortion and damage, including handling dents, tears, and discoloration. One section of the triptych was more stained than the others, with water marks visible on the verso. There was a fishing line adhered to the corners with white glue, contributing further to the complexity of the treatment.
Each panel of the triptych prior to treatment.
First, this piece was carefully cleaned to remove surface grime using a textile sponge and eraser crumbs with careful attention to the media. Then the adhesive and fishing line were gently removed mechanically by slowly shaving down the layer of glue with a scalpel. Losses at the edges were filled with appropriate mending paper and wheat starch paste then toned to match the surrounding area. Finally, the triptych was humidified and flattened to reduce deformations. Given its size and the nature of the paper, this process had to be repeated several times to achieve the desired results.
Once the treatment was complete, each piece of the triptych received its own conservation grade framing package. The pieces were carefully float mounted using Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste onto archival rag mat and archival corrugated mounts. They were then installed into custom ash hardwood frames with matching wooden spacers to safely lift the glazing from the surface of the artwork. UV filtering shatterproof acrylic glazing was used to protect the piece from harmful light, and an acid-free coroplast backing board and custom wooden strainer were installed for further protection and stability. Appropriate hanging hardware was then affixed to ensure the artwork would be displayed safely.
Framing the Triptych:
The triptych after treatment and framing.
Martyl Langsdorf’s Enduring Legacy
Martyl Langsdorf’s contributions to both the art and scientific communities are immeasurable, and her works continue to resonate with audiences today. While the Doomsday Clock remains one of her most recognized designs, her other artworks—ranging from abstract landscapes to public murals—also showcase her extraordinary talent and vision.
In 1956, Martyl and her husband, physicist Alexander Langsdorf, moved to Schaumburg, Illinois, where they purchased the Schweikher House, a National Historic Landmark designed by architect Paul Schweikher. The house served as both a home and studio for Martyl, where she continued her artistic practice until her passing in 2013. Despite facing challenges, including the threat of having her home condemned, Martyl worked diligently to preserve the Schweikher House, which remains an important part of her legacy.
A Gallery of the Schweikher House:
Her artwork is held in prestigious collections across the country, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the National Museum of American Art. The Schaumburg Library proudly houses several of her pieces, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience her work up close.
Martyl Langsdorf’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art to both reflect and challenge the times we live in. As you explore the Schaumburg Library, take a moment to appreciate the lasting impact of her work—a powerful reminder of the intersection between art, science, and humanity’s shared future.
Sources:
Special thanks to the Schaumburg Library for their assistance in researching for this article.
https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/
http://www.martyl.com/
https://thebulletin.org/2013/04/science-art-and-the-legacy-of-martyl/
https://www.schweikherhouse.org/the-langsdorfs
