Conservation of “Pentimento” by Erin Shie Palmer, 2016

Conservation and Protection of the Artwork “Pentimento”

The conservation project for the artwork “Pentimento” by Erin Shie Palmer was primarily motivated by the need to protect the installation during the removal of a large pine tree located less than eight feet from the wall. Because a falling branch had already damaged the piece in 2022, the LA County Department of Medical Examiner decided to remove the tree entirely to prevent future incidents.

The project followed a structured sequence of activities:

Removal and Preparation

The first phase involved the careful removal of the 300 hand-blown glass bells that compose the installation. To ensure the “random” pattern was preserved, each bell was numbered before being detached, allowing for precise relocation later. This work was carried out between July 24 and July 26, 2025, using a scissor lift to access the entire 25-foot-wide concrete wall.

Treatment and Restoration

Once the bells were safely removed, the conservation team performed several restoration treatments to address environmental wear and previous damage:

• Cleaning: The glass bells and stainless steel posts were cleaned with a solution of distilled water and ethyl alcohol to remove a sticky dust deposit and grime.
• Structural Repairs: Internal hanging elements (clappers) that were missing or damaged by UV radiation were replaced. Additionally, one stainless steel post that had been bent by a falling branch was fixed.
• Wall Maintenance: The back wall was fouled by insect nests, trail marks, and sawdust from the tree removal. Since the nests were extremely adherent, the conservators toned them to match the color of the wall to minimize their visual impact.

Reinstallation and Future Outlook

The final phase concluded on July 28, 2025, with the repositioning of all bells into their original locations, including two replacement bells provided by the Civic Art Division.