Architectural conservator Guy Williams looks at the finer
detail of a 100-year-old, Japanese-themed mural uncovered
in the Port Chalmers Garrison Hall, in May. Photo by Peter
McIntosh.
A decision has been made to take down the mystery mural
discovered in the Port Chalmers Garrison Hall.
The 20.4m by 3.6m mural was found behind hardboard walls in
May during demolition of the hall and it was believed it had
been created in 1892 for a Japanese-themed festival.
Since the mural was discovered, architectural conservator Guy
Williams and representatives from the Historic Places Trust,
the Dunedin City Council, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery,
Port Chalmers Historical Society and the Otago Settlers
Museum have been researching the work and looking at ways it
could be saved.
Mr Williams said yesterday the group had decided the mural
should be taken down so the demolition of the hall could
continue.
"It is a very rare artefact. The only one been found in New
Zealand of its type."
It would be a "tedious and a bit dirty" job for the art
conservators involved and just how it would be done was still
to be trialled, he said.
The initial plans involved cutting the nails, still attached
to the mural, flush with the boards and then rolling it up
and cleaning it at the same time.
"We're still working out the finer details."
It would then go into environmentally controlled storage
until long-term conservation and funding decisions could be
made, Mr Williams said.
"At the moment, it is important enough to remove as much of
it as possible."
rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.