The restoration of Morley’s iconic murals
jmonblat
Two mid-century murals painted by the artist Martin Froy inside the Waterloo Centre Emma Cons Hall have been fully restored after weeks of careful work by internationally renowned conservators Plowden and Smith.
The restoration work involved careful cleaning and retouching the two murals “Sun Up and Sun Down” 57 feet long by 8 feet tall. Titled 鈥淪un Up and Sun Down鈥� the abstract works evoke the sun rising and setting on generations of Morley students.
Jack Davy, manager of Morley鈥檚 Permanent Art Collection said:
鈥榃hat鈥檚 powerful about these murals is their use of colour and texture in a mid-twentieth century fashion. They really speak to that era when Morley was being reconstructed post war and the hope that came with rebuilding this space for the community. 鈥�
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The team employed meticulous techniques to preserve the murals鈥� original character while ensuring their longevity.聽 The conservation work was led by Federica Traversa, 聽 Senior Paintings Conservator at Plowden and Smith.聽 Federica said; 聽
鈥淭he project was particularly exciting because it was quite nice to see the reaction of people while we were working. It’s also quite rewarding to know that these pieces that will be enjoyed by many people during the years performing all sorts of art form in this room.鈥�
Jack Davy, Morley Gallery Manager said;
鈥� We are delighted with the restored Froy murals which are integral to the design of the newly refurbished Emma Cons Hall. The hall is now set for another 70 years of orchestral performances, dance recitals, film screenings, and all the other myriad things that take place in this space and everyone who comes can enjoy these murals in their original glory鈥�.
Enjoy seeing the murals yourself at our upcoming Performers of Morley Festival from the 26th February to 28th March
