Back in a Moment Sculpture

Back in a Moment was Completed in 2012 by artist Sherry Owens as part of Love Field’s modernization program. It consists of seven cast bronze trees that form a 22-foot circle at the interior of the garden inside the terminal. The trees vary from 8 to 22 inches in diameter and are 12 feet high. The canopy contains linear swirling elements, depicting clouds. The namesake of the field, first Lieutenant Moss Lee Love is represented in the sculpture. At the edge of this forest is an army camp stool monogrammed with the initials MLL; replicas of a WWI flight coat, helmet, goggles, and gloves are draped over the stool suggesting the personal belongings of Moss Lee Love. The United States Army named the then-military flying field in 1917 in his honor.

EverGreene was contracted by the City of Dallas to complete maintenance treatment of the Back In A Moment Sculpture on-site at Love Field, July 7-14 of 2021. Treatment included general cleaning, corrosion removal, steam removal of the old wax, spot patination for a more uniform finish, and reapplying wax to the bronze sculpture.  All work adhered to the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. The work was documented in written and photographic form.

The sculpture was rinsed clean and scrubbed with soft bristle brushes to remove any dirt and debris at the start of the treatment. Then through the use of a steam pressure washer, the remaining old wax was removed from the sculpture. Areas of discoloration were carefully scrubbed with a stiff bristle detail brush and mild scouring pads. The build-up of rocks and debris in the crevasses was removed with brushes and bamboo picks. The bronze surface was rinsed clean with pressurized steam. Corrosion was removed using bronze bristle brushes and nylon abrasive pads. After the corrosion was removed and the sculpture was given ample time to dry, the areas in need of spot patination were heated to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.  Once this temperature was achieved, the patina solution was applied. Localized patination was performed on all seven branch pillars where corrosion was located, as well as on the pilot’s gear. To protect the metal substrate from unwanted oxidation, two protective wax coatings were applied to form a barrier between the metal and the environment.

Our conservators also provided the City of Dallas with a full report, including photographs and recommendations and directions for the future maintenance of  the sculpture.