This mural, the largest executed in the sanctuary by Frederic Clay Bartlett, presents three key moments from the Old and New Testaments. At the base is the Tree of Life representing the Garden of Eden with its stylized foliage and color palette that sets the tone for the entire artwork. Above the garden is a rainbow, representing God’s promise with Noah after the Great Flood. The top of the mural consists of a procession of angels taken from the Book of Revelation, which follows the line of the massive arch framing the mural, and is set beneath the heavens and a glittery starry night. The mural will be cleaned, repaired and brought back to its original 1903 appearance. Bartlett’s Tree of Life provides the first impression of the church’s magnificent Arts and Crafts interior and its restoration will highlight the significance of this National Historic Landmark church.
This transformational conservation work was accomplished by Parma Conservation, Inc.; National Decorating Service; Archistoric Products, B & Z Electric, and Gilco Scaffolding.
Cleaning of the angel wings revealed over 100 years of dirt and that the wings had been painted another color over Frederic Clay Bartlett’s original design.
Angel robes are white under the varnish and additional layer of paint.
Photo credit of whole Tree of Life Mural: Martin Cheung