Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has announced the support of American Express in the treatment and restoration of a pair of ornate metal and glass light fixtures that adorn the south façade of the Main House.
“Vizcaya is grateful to have received, once again, a grant from American Express,” said Remko Jansonius, Vizcaya’s deputy director for Collections and Curatorial Affairs.
“Each element of the estate’s collection is an expression of another time. It is our responsibility to ensure that these pieces of history are saved and accessible for many generations to come,” Jansonius said.
“American Express ardently supports the preservation of historical and cultural treasures throughout the world,” said Timothy J. McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation. “Vizcaya serves as a magnificent legacy of Miami’s past and a meaningful landmark that must be maintained for its future. We are thrilled to continue our support of this invaluable institution.”
The light fixtures were made in Italy and purchased as antiques in 1916 for the estate from Lavezzo & Co. Inc. in New York along with an identical pair that decorates the east façade of the Main House.
Built between 1914 and 1922, Vizcaya is located about 100 feet from Biscayne Bay. A century of exposure to the marine environment has taken its toll on these decorative and functional objects. Vizcaya has contracted Rosa Lowinger & Associates, a conservation firm with studios in Miami and Los Angeles, to lead a team of conservators, metal smiths, electricians, engineers and glass fabricators to bring these fixtures back to their former glory.
Conservation will include research, cleaning, corrosion removal, loss compensation and repair, refinishing, re-wiring, replacement of broken glass and reinstallation, as well as the development of a de-install method for removal and storage during hurricane season.
“Over the last 100 years, Vizcaya’s aggressive bayside environment damaged the painted ferrous metal objects, severely corroding and deteriorating their surfaces,” said Lauren Hall, Vizcaya’s conservator. “If left untreated, damage may have advanced beyond repair. We greatly appreciate American Express’ support in restoring these magnificent objects to their intended appearance.”
To learn more about Vizcaya Museum and Gardens visit www.vizcaya.org.
Located at 3251 S. Miami Ave., between Brickell Avenue and Coconut Grove, Vizcaya is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org or call 305-250-9133.
