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What
Do We Do?
The Hearst Castle
Preservation Foundation (HCPF) is a nonprofit organization (registered
in California as a California Public Benefit Corporation) that
operates under a cooperative agreement with the California State
Department of Parks and Recreation. The foundation is dedicated
to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of Hearst Castle¨.
Our vision is to provide financial stewardship for Hearst Castle¨
by promoting Hearst Castle as an international treasure for the
people of today and the generations of tomorrow.
Nine
Muses Sarcophagus
 Among
the many treasures in the Hearst Castle¨ collection
of antiquities is a 3rd century Roman sarcophagus made of marble
and depicting Apollo and Athena flanked by the Nine Muses. This
priceless work of art is badly in need of conservation due to
its age and the effects of the environment. To save this important
sculpture, the foundation is seeking donations and grants.
This project is of tremendous importance because the sculpture
is a 3rd century piece of rare detail and one of the most beautiful
and extraordinary objects at Hearst Castle¨.
Because it is located in the gardens, special
attention must be given to its condition and its future. Conservation
will include testing for damage and analysis of the microbiological
growths. Analysis of the stone type and pigments will also be
made to shed light on the object's history and place of manufacture.
The suitability of the sarcophagus remaining outside and procedures
to mitigate the damage if left in its current location will also
be part of the project. The total costs associated with this important
project are $250,000.
The Conservation
of A Tapestry From "Art of War" Series
The textile collection at
Hearst Castle is considered one of the finest to be found anywhere.
One prized tapestry in the collection is part of a set, known as
the "Art of War" series, made in Brussels originally for
the Elector of Bavaria in 1696. Woven of silk and wool, this magnificent
piece hangs in the loft of the Refectory and can be seen on Tour
One. It has not been treated in many years and requires extensive
conservation. In addition to the removal of old repair work which
is deteriorating, the project will include additional support for
and protection of this important tapestry. To protect this treasure,
the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation is seeking to raise $50,000
through donations and grants.
The Conservation
of Two 17th Century Spanish Banners
A highlight of the textile collection
at Hearst Castle¨ are two elaborately decorated
Spanish banners, dating from the 17th century. Made of silk
velvet, with heavy embroidery work and trapunto, they feature
a ducal coat-of-arms surrounded by small flags and the Order
of the Golden Fleece. Hanging in the vestibule of Casa del Mar
at Hearst Castle¨, this pair of Spanish banners
is in need of significant conservation in order to continue
being displayed. The conservation of these two Spanish
banners is a high priority. Costs associated with this conservation
effort are approximately $35,000.
Spanish
Ceiling
Another
example of the immediate needs of Hearst Castle is the Spanish
ceiling in the Morning room of La Casa Grande (c. 1540).
It measures 45' x 22' and is one of the most impressive of 41
antique ceilings that Mr. Hearst incorporated into the architecture
of the Castle. Conservation includes repair to cleavages
on the paintings and molding, removal of surface accretions, overpaint,
and varnish and the application of a synthetic resin protective
coating. The total conservation cost for this important
piece of art is approximately $185,000.
Other
Conservation Projects
The following projects
are also immediate priorities of the Hearst Castle Preservation
Foundation. Conservation costs of these pieces range from
$2,000 to $30,000. Additional information on any of these
pieces is available from the foundation.
Russian 13th Century Silver/gilt Icon
- "Madonna & Child"
15th Century Italian Marble Basin
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