Dumbarton Oaks Outdoor Assessment

Washington, DC

EverGreene conservators were brought in by Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection (Dumbarton Oaks) to perform a survey and conditions assessment of outdoor sculpture, landscape elements and architectural ornament throughout the 16.5 acres of grounds. The goal of the survey was to assess the object’s conditions and to establish a treatment priority list along with treatment recommendations and cost estimates that support long-term planning for the conservation of the outdoor objects. The assessment generated a complete objects catalog of the outdoor objects (with the exception of paths and walls), which previously did not exist.

EverGreene performed a conditions assessment of 247 objects throughout the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens including arbors; bird baths; benches; commemorative and decorative plaques; sculpture; mosaic walls and pebble floors; urns; decorative ornament; tool sheds; fountains; gates; finials; railings; lanterns; and more. Many of the objects are designed by the landscape gardener and architect Beatrix Farrand (c. 1930s) and her successor Ruth Havey (c. 1960s) but the collection also includes unique pieces dating to the late 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century.