Sepia-toned downtown photo mural restored

FALLBROOK - Work to restore the sepia-toned Main Street "photo," located in Fallbrook's historic district at the corner of Main and Alvarado, was completed by mural artist Jim Fahnestock lat week.

"Main Street, circa 1920," which is based on an early 20th Century photo of Fallbrook, was originally painted by Fahnestock at this location in 2007, but due to the south-facing exposure and moisture retained in the wall, was in need of repair.

Efforts to preserve with clear UV protectant and occasional touch-up of the damaged areas helped to slow the deterioration, however, since the last refurbishment in 2011, portions of the art work had peeled and flaked away.

Fahnestock choose a new, water-based mural paint, and working with friends and family members from Jim’s Sign Shop, scraped, sanded, and removed most of the original mural, leaving just a light image to guide him in repainting.

Pedestrians went out of their way to stop and watch Fahnstock work, sharing compliments and words of encouragement during the nine days of refurbishment.

The Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA) one of Fallbrook's most active stewards, commissioned Fahnestock to refurbish the mural. Those wishing to support this and other beautification projects in the village, may visit the FBA website at www.fallbrookbeautification.org.

A walking tour guide of Fallbrook's public art may also be found at www.fallbrookartinpublicplaces.org.