(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
The date is set tonight for the return of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole: Next Wednesday morning, just under two weeks before its planned August 10 re-dedication, and almost eight months after it was stolen. Last week, we took you to the Renton headquarters of art-restoration experts Artech for a peek at the pole, post-cleaning, pre-painting (here’s that story); today, photojournalist Christopher Boffoli went to Artech on assignment for WSB, to get a look at the painting in progress. In the photo above, Phil Roach is working on the pole; in this next pole, the brush is wielded by Roger Waterhouse:
Click ahead for more of a look at what’s been done so far:
As we mentioned in last week’s report, the Artech team consulted old photos before choosing colors for the restoration.
Christopher reports, after talking with the Artech team this afternoon, “Their close examination revealed that the artist had gone back at least once and refreshed the paint. In doing so he made changes to some of his own colors. Parts of the totem pole that had been painted red were re-painted yellow. The totem’s new colors of acrylic paint are based on their examination, research and photographs that are about five years old.”
Once the painting is done, an oil-based sealant will be applied. And when the pole arrives at the site, the wings will be bolted on before a crane lifts the pole back into place. Christopher adds, “New, non-standard locking bolts will fasten the totem to its pedestal.”
The reinstallation is planned for 9:30 am next Wednesday (July 28th); you’re welcome to watch, we’re told, within a safe distance. There’s a slight chance the time/day might change, so we’ll be reconfirming with Artech at the start of next week.
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