Schnellock Mural Report Summary
While the full 9-page Campus Environment Committee’s Report on the Schnellock Murals, which contains descriptions of the murals and preservation considerations is available via the following link, a summary of the report is provided below.
Campus Environment Committee’s Full Report on the Schnellock Murals
After careful and considerable review of the Schnellock Murals, the committee unanimously agrees that much of content of the murals in both buildings conflicts with UMW’s ASPIRE values and principles and fails to represent the institution’s present-day community. The committee also respects the University’s commitment to follow best preservation practices when changing the fabric of historic buildings. Finally, the committee recognizes that the murals in Monroe and George Washington Halls differ significantly in terms of content, materials, and condition and, therefore, require different solutions.
George Washington Hall
In George Washington Hall, the committee suggests a solution of partial concealment of the murals and the addition of artwork that represents more recent decades of the university’s history and the diverse nature of its community. Representations that are in conflict with UMW’s present-day values should be concealed while others, such as depictions of women engaging in science, may remain visible with additional contextualization explaining that the women portrayed pursued their studies within a racially segregated institution. Final determination of which portions of the murals should be concealed or remain visible requires input from UMW’s diverse stakeholders. In addition, the murals need to be thoroughly documented and concealment methods should be developed in consultation with professional conservators and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Until these steps are taken, the murals may be concealed using temporary measures combined with signage clearly explaining why this action has been taken.
Monroe Hall
In Monroe Hall, the committee suggests that most or all of the murals be concealed and the space used for digital installations hosting rotating artwork solicited from students, faculty, alumni, and other members of UMW’s community that better represent the university as it is today. UMW’s diverse stakeholders should be involved throughout the process. In addition, the murals should be thoroughly documented and concealment should be methods developed in consultation with professional conservators and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Until these steps are taken, the murals may be concealed using temporary measures combined with signage clearly explaining why this action has been taken.