South Wall Ghost Sign Restoration
As of summer 2022, the ghost sign on the Tabor’s south exterior wall is preserved.
The ghost sign consists of at least three overlapping signs. Over many decades, strong high-altitude sun and daily freeze-thaw cycles had frayed the paint.
To decipher the many layers, contractor Deborah Uhl, a fine artist and conservator at Creative Conservation Collective, looked for lines painted, drawn, or incised into the paint or brick. She used historic photos for reference and made creative decisions on which letters to paint. She then carefully dusted clean the signs, used varnish and gesso primer to prepare the surface, and stenciled and painted in the letters.
Funders
The first phase of the exterior rehabilitation cost $1.5 million and was supported by the generosity of these funders:
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs – $830,000
- National Park Service Save America’s Treasures – $500,000
- Your online votes in the National Main Street’s Partners in Preservation campaign – $150,000
- City of Leadville – $20,000
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