Brushing History Back to Life: Mural Restoration
Evan LeGrande Wilson, photo courtesy of Evan LeGrande Wilson.
With a venerable career spanning nearly three decades, Evan LeGrande Wilson stands as an authority in the nuanced field of historic building preservation and restoration.
Mr. Wilson's meticulous craftsmanship has been sought after for pivotal mural restoration endeavors worldwide. Notable projects under his purview encompass the iconic Los Angeles City Hall, the esteemed San Gabriel Playhouse, and the historic St. Andrews Catholic Church, among others. Additionally, his bespoke mural commissions grace the residences of illustrious figures such as Roy Disney III, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Barry Bonds, John Fogerty, and Paul Merage. Beyond his restoration endeavors, Wilson's individual artistic oeuvre has garnered international acclaim, being showcased in prestigious exhibitions across the globe.
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In the heart of Los Angeles stands the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, an architectural marvel with an enigmatic past dating back to 1923. It's a mosaic of Spanish and indigenous American styles, its ceilings adorned with plaster and wooden beams, vibrant carvings, and a ceiling painted with illustrious Spanish galleon chandeliers. Amid the opulence, a tapestry gifted by Spain's King Alfonso XIII in 1927 hangs prominently, celebrating the theater's grand opening.
Every detail, every brush stroke tells a tale, mirroring the very essence of “The Mission” movement. And the latest chapter in this theater's storied existence is written by Evan LeGrande Wilson.
In 1997, after a devastating Californian earthquake, portions of the plaster detached from the ceilings, leaving the theater unfit for public visitation. A competitive bidding ensued, and Wilson, an adept in art restoration, was entrusted with the pivotal task of restoring the theater's former glory.
Evan LeGrande Wilson is restoring the ceiling murals of the San Gabriel Playhouse, photo courtesy of Evan LeGrande Wilson.
Restoring historical structures isn't just about artistic proficiency. It demands an intimate understanding of the history, materials, and intricate craftsmanship. The mantra Wilson lives by is “Restore as it was," taking the building back to its prime. Born in a quaint Utah town to musical educators, Wilson’s journey to becoming a premier mural restoration artist is filled with serendipity and passion.
Initially enrolled in the Political Science department at the University of California, Los Angeles, a chance mural project for a luxury residence rekindled Wilson's childhood memories of drawing and his inherent love for art. Diverging from his political aspirations, Wilson transitioned to Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, known as the cradle of designers. After completing his studies, he further honed his skills in Europe.
With European expertise under his belt, Wilson has spent over three decades restoring landmarks across the Americas, Europe, Japan, and Egypt, ranging from churches, opera houses, museums, to libraries and observatories. His pièce de résistance is the use of pure gold leaf in mural art, a technique steeped in European art and architectural history but nearly extinct today, with only a handful of artists possessing the aptitude.
The ceiling murals of the San Gabriel Playhouse, photo courtesy of Evan LeGrande Wilson.
Mural restoration is not for the faint-hearted. It's grueling, perilous work. Structures like the Mission Playhouse, with their vast ceilings, demand towering scaffolds. Recalling one harrowing incident, Wilson shared how a scaffold connector snapped, nearly resulting in a catastrophe.
In these historically rich theaters devoid of natural light, Wilson would navigate his way through, holding a lamp, often in sweltering temperatures reaching up to 120°F. The challenge wasn't just physical; the scaffolding obstructed a distant view of the murals, making it imperative for Wilson to rely on his vast experience for each brush stroke.
Asked about the moments when the pressure and challenges felt insurmountable, Wilson responded candidly, acknowledging the occasional missteps in color choices or accidental spills that called for a restart. Yet, his ethos remains: “Maintain professionalism, control what you can, and adjust your rhythm and state to the task at hand.”
Cindy Wang (Left) and Evan LeGrande Wilson (Right), photo courtesy of Luna Hao, The Scholart(艺海藏家).
While Wilson's personal artworks are an introspective journey in oil paints, with many echoing nostalgic undertones, restoration requires strict adherence to historical accuracy. This duality in his work - creating original pieces while staying true to historical art forms - offers a fulfilling balance. “My penchant for the past doesn’t diminish my appreciation or respect for contemporary art. It’s a joy to straddle both worlds,” Wilson reflects.
In observing the span of human talent and intellect from ancient to modern times, Wilson sees the continuum of genius. Through his meticulous hands, the stories of centuries past are told anew. And as we stand in awe of the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, we're reminded of the craftsman behind the curtain, the artist ensuring history never fades.