Fresno Mosaic

Conservation Project of the Fresno Mosaics

The Fresno Mosaic Conservation Project was a comprehensive intervention aimed at preserving and restoring a series of public mosaic artworks, including works such as “Fresno” by P. S. Johnson and “Fields” by E. Lynn. These artworks, located in public spaces, had suffered from various forms of environmental degradation and vandalism over time, requiring a specialized conservation approach to ensure their long-term stability and aesthetic integrity.

Assessment and Initial Documentation

The project began with a thorough condition assessment of each mosaic. The conservators identified several recurring issues across the different sites, such as the accumulation of surface grime, the presence of soluble salt deposits, and significant damage from graffiti. More critically, many mosaics suffered from structural issues, including detached or missing tiles (tesserae) and losses in the marble or granite elements of the installations. Detailed photographic documentation was maintained throughout this phase to record the state of the works before any intervention.

Conservation Treatments and Restoration

Following the assessment, a series of specialized treatments were executed to stabilize and restore the artworks. The intervention followed a rigorous protocol to ensure the compatibility of new materials with the original structures:

• Cleaning and Graffiti Removal: the surfaces underwent deep cleaning to remove dust and pollutants. Specific treatments were applied to remove “tags” and paint traces (graffiti) without damaging the underlying mosaic tiles.
• Tile Stabilization and Replacement: loose tiles were re-adhered to the substrate. For areas where tiles were missing, the team sourced replacement materials that matched the original colors and textures as closely as possible to maintain visual continuity.
• Structural Repairs: the project included the restoration of marble elements and the infilling of joints. In cases like the “Fresno” mosaic, partial losses of granite slabs were addressed through careful structural integration.
• Final Refinement: once the structural repairs were complete, “toning” was performed to harmonize the appearance of the new repairs with the original surfaces. Finally, a protective coating was applied to the mosaics to shield them from future environmental wear and facilitate easier maintenance.

Maintenance and Long-term Preservation

The project concluded in March 2026 with a set of maintenance recommendations to prevent future deterioration. Given their exposure to the elements, the report emphasizes that these mosaics require annual monitoring. This ongoing care includes checking the adhesion of tiles, monitoring the condition of the protective coating, and the prompt removal of any new graffiti or soluble salt deposits. By following these guidelines, the city can ensure that these significant cultural landmarks remain preserved for future generations.