Erica, For something like this consult with an architectural or objects conservator and pick a contractor and rigger who has a background in deinstalling and moving plaster architecture and art. Plaster has to be handled carefully as it can be very fragile, especially if it has water damage or cracks. Cheers! Dave David Harvey Senior Conservator & Museum Consultant Los Angeles CA. USA www.cityofangelsconservation.weebly.com On Nov 15, 2017 12:56 PM, "Erica Travis" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Hi all, My institution has recently been given the opportunity to acquire some items, either as accessioned objects or exhibit components, from one of the many schools that have shuttered and continue to shutter here in Flint. So much of the school is not salvageable despite having only been closed for about 8-9 years, due to rampant vandalism and poor environmental conditions. Of the various schools that have closed, the community is deeply sentimental about this one in particular, so we have begun to identify certain architectural/design elements that we think we'd like to salvage before it is demolished, including plaster reliefs near the school’s theater/auditorium, the center circle of the basketball court, and possibly some grotesque figures along the roof line (other items may be added to this list at some point). I wondered if any of you out there have gone through a similar process of removing elements from buildings/structures, and what kind of contractors or equipment you felt were essential and/or helpful to do so? I imagine removing the flooring from the basketball court will be less problematic than the figures on the roof line that is over three stories high, but each may require its own set of procedures and necessary equipment. Any insight or routes you could point me in would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me off-list if you'd prefer. Thanks in advance, Erica Erica Travis Registrar and Collections Manager Sloan*Longway 1221 E. Kearsley Street Flint, MI 48503 [log in to unmask] ph. 810 237 3435 ------------------------------ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).