While I was planning the work for the art conservation treatments of the murals in the Idaho Falls Mormon temple, I was asked by the LDS History Dept. to get info on a mural in a removed hillside town outside of Preston, Idaho. So, while we were returning to Salt Lake City after we were done in IF, we “stopped by” this cute old out of the way chapel to see if a safe removal was possible. You’ve heard about the “wide open spaces”? Well, this countryside is “it.”
The town is called Mink Creek (pronounced Crik) and the plan is to enlarge the chapel to seat more members during the meetings. The wall to be knocked down is the one with the mural on it. BUT, the plan is to mount the removed mural to another wall in the building. Here’s what the chapel looks like from the pulpit:
Mink Creek - Preston, Idaho LDS Chapel, with mural painted by H. Helgeson in 1929
1929 Mural of Temple Square
The story that was told me was that the artist, H. Helgeson, had emigrated from Norway 5 years earlier. He painted several murals and other pictures in the chapel. He also painted murals in other buildings in the area and was in Idaho Falls doing a mural where he was mistaken by a policeman for a person he was pursuing and shot the artist dead.
My evaluation is that the mural can be removed safely (with proper pre-caustions), cleaned and be reinstalled in the building with a good long term prognosis for longevity and good condition.
It was a beautiful trip but what else would you expect in June? Its in January when you have to deal with 6 feet of snow during a normal winter!
You would have never heard about or seen this nice mural in Mink Creek if you were not in touch with this blog. I am pleased to let you in on this inside information. Please pass this URL along to others and be sure to sign up for auto updates in the side bar.
To learn more about what you can do to take care, protect and save your collectibles, memorabilia, family history, artwork AND help raise money for the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, go to http://pioneerartrestoration.com/dup-special/
Art conservation questions? Call Scott Haskins 805 564 3438
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Scott Haskins, art conservation, mural restoration, LDS vintage art, mural to be saved, saving historic art
I had no idea that was in Mink Creek!
What an amazing mural. I am so glad that it will be preserved.
What a great removal and restoration project, let us know how it goes!
It’s rare to see the time and intricacy that was once put forth to paint these murals. Great and informative post, keep us posted on the project
What a great project! Be careful please
I’m sure you know what your doing though when it comes to fine art conservation haha
Great story Scott … I love seeing church art from places I will probably never go. Thanks again for sharing.