Background
This large sculpture is made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester, polyurethane foam, plywood, wood, glass, rubber and metal. It is a small house with various colourful parts. As the name suggests, the work was made especially for the Kröller-Müller Museum. It consists of a central ‘master unit’, with a study, a bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom attached. The work has stood in various locations in the sculpture garden; it has occupied its current location since 2011.
Art house
Atelier van Lieshout, founded by Joep van Lieshout in 1995, operates at the intersection of visual art, architecture and design. Mobile Home for Kröller-Müller shows Van Lieshout’s interest in the relationship between art and life. According to Joep van Lieshout, Mobile Home could actually be suitable to live in. He would like the house to be in good condition and appear usable, but also believes that signs of aging, such as discolouration, may be visible. So the work may look as if it has been lived in, but as if it has been maintained with love and care.
Conservation
Unfortunately, this is not currently the case, as parts of the work are in very poor condition. Constant exposure to the elements and the complex materials used by the artist means that damage and deterioration is visible in several places. The polyester has visibly degraded. There is flaking, cracking, discolouration and wear and tear. Furthermore, the wooden structure has become damp which has caused weakening and rotting areas. This has resulted in subsidence in several units.
The cracks and flaking need to be repaired and especially the hard-to-reach wooden construction must be improved. The conservation work is being prepared in consultation with Atelier van Lieshout.
Planning
The preliminary research began in 2024 and included a detailed assessment of the various damages, discussion with Atelier van Lieshout about the meaningful parts of the work, exploring the possibilities of a phased treatment per unit, and consulting suitable parties to enlist in the conservation, naturally including but not limited to Atelier van Lieshout. Cost assessment is also an important part of the preliminary research, as well as setting up a project schedule. This preliminary research will result in a plan of action in the third quarter of 2024. The conservation work itself is expected to commence in 2025.