BLUEPRINT FOR A TEMPLE II

The Better Image Project, completed March 2024

Francesca Woodman
Blueprint for a Temple II
1980
24 diazotype elements and 4 gelatin silver prints
approx. 15’ x 10’
Woodman Family Foundation

︎︎︎See Treatment Information on Woodman’s Diazotypes

Due to the preservation efforts of the Woodman Family Foundation, this recently rediscovered monumental work, along with other diazotypes, were brought in to The Better Image for conservation services. Treatment was also completed in anticipation of a large solo exhibition at Gagosian. Overall there was much collaboration between The Better Image, the Foundation, and Gagosian to plan for treatment and installation. 

After The Better Image treated the individual diazotype elements, next was to figure out how to put them all together.  While Photograph Conservator Nancy Reinhold led the project and carried out most of the material and method testing for consistency, it was a great opportunity for all at The Better Image to discuss options and learn new methods.  

The overall goal then was to assemble the diazotypes in a way that was approachable with materials that will have long-term stability in order to also deliver a secure final project to the eventual new owner. In order to achieve this we:

1. Grouped elements into five sections of varying number of diazo elements.
2. Created Mylar overlays for each of the five panels. These noted the positions of each element and new hinges, all marked and color-coded.
3. Hinged these works together using Japanese paper hinges and 8% Klucel G in ethanol.
4. Affixed each group to a flexible polyester fabric support, Dacron, using pass-through Japanese paper hinges. These hinges were adhered to the print verso surfaces with 8% Klucel G in ethanol and to the lining fabric with Buffer-mount® heat-set tissue adhesive, or rarely, a pressure-sensitive double-sided tape.
   
5. Packed the five lined panels into individual 1/2 inch Fomecor portfolios, each lined and covered with glassine by the team from Art Crating and transported to Gagosian. These folders measured up to 70 x 105 inches.

On March 9th, Peter Mustardo, Nancy Reinhold, and I assisted in the gallery installation along with Gagosian exhibition staff members, team members from Art Crating, and staff from the Woodman Family Foundation.

Installation went as follows:

1. Metallic panels (twenty-nine) in various dimensions were affixed to the wall in positions to allow for the use of both magnets and staples (through the polyester backing material to the wall).
   
2. Mylar templates covered these metallic panels and helped to guide the placement of the 5 panels. These were also aligned using a laser device to ensure the horizontal axis.
3. Panels were lifted into position using a scissor lift. 
4. Panels were secured to the wall with small square pouches containing strong neodymium magnets. These magnets were secured over the Dacron lining and were placed in areas over overlaps and folds so that they would not be seen while on view. Additional staples into the Dacron were also employed for additional support. 
5. Additional hinges of Japanese paper were applied to lifting areas using 8% Klucel G in ethanol. 

︎︎︎See Time-lapse Installation Video

Images by Peter Mustardo and Ashley Stanford
Installation views, Francesca Woodman, Gagosian, 555 West 24th Street, New York, March 13–April 27, 2024. Artwork © Woodman Family Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Owen Conway