I recently came across a debate that concerned the refinishing of antique furniture. There were a series of online discussions started by individuals who wanted to give antiques a more contemporary “feel” for upscale residential homes. The debate ensued as this was going against all advice given by the “Antiques Roadshow” experts. How many times have your heard, “Don’t strip and refinish that antique? Below is one of many statements concerning the proper handling of antique artifacts.
“Never Paint or Refinish Furniture
You should not refinish wood furniture is if the piece is a valuable antique or a unique designer piece that, although not an antique, nevertheless has a lot of value. It’s always a good idea to look for any designer markings on old furniture and to do an Internet search on it before you refinish it. An antique will diminish in value if refinished improperly, and your best bet is to contact a professional in antique furniture preservation.”
Wow. I immediately thought of the destruction of the Fort Scott collection and a subsequent loss of shared heritage. This above statement could be rewritten to apply to historical scenery collections:
“Never Paint or Refinish Historical Scenery
You should not remove the original wooden battens and replace them with pipe pockets is if the scenery collection is a valuable example of theatrical heritage or the work of a significant designer. It is always a good idea to look for any scenic studio stencils and documentation, as well as doing an Internet search on it before you alter it from its original condition. An historical drop will diminish in value and significance if restored improperly, and your best bet is to contact a professional in the field of scenery preservation.”
The Fort Scott collection was significant from the fact that its production occurred during the final Scottish Rite building boom and was solely produced by one scenic artist. As the Fort Scott collection can no longer be viewed in its intended venue, the historical significance solely remained in the original construction, painting, and stage hardware. As the majority of these significant aspects have been stripped away, it has lost much of its significance. All that remains is the preservation of historic painting techniques by one artist. It can no longer be presented as a nationally significant collection as it almost been altered beyond recognition.
It is like a painting an original Chippendale chair and turning it into something else entirely. As with the antique chair, the Fort Scott drops are now a pale remembrance of their former selves.
To be continued…
