Calif. firefighters damage costly mural

A city-owned mural estimated to be worth more than $1 million was damaged when firefighters, unaware of its value, pried it from a wall to move it to safety during construction.

The mural, by renowned Harlem Renaissance artist Sargent Johnson, was produced in 1949 and hung in the Richmond City Hall's council chamber. Two weeks ago the chamber was being readied for major renovation, and employees were tagging furniture and other belongings for removal.

Richmond Fire Battalion Chief Erik Newman noticed the mural, called "The City of Richmond," wasn't tagged.

"I was surprised because I thought the mural was too nice to be demolished," he said, adding that he had no idea of the mural's worth.

So, acting on his own, he recruited five firefighters to help him pry the approximately 12-by-20-foot, iron-and-enamel mural made of 13 separate panels from the wall. In the process, enamel along the joints connecting the panels chipped.

A renovation project manager was shocked when he realized what was going on, and told the firefighters that the city had hired professionals to move it, because of its value.

"That's when I called the chief," Newman said.

The city still doesn't have an estimate on the damage, but the mural is stored safely in a climate-controlled facility, redevelopment director Steve Duran said.

___

Information from: Contra Costa Times