Totem pole transport, restoration, and storage

When a retired Swedish surgeon wanted to donate his prized Duane Pasco carved totem to Swedish Medical Center, the Swedish art committee called Allison & Ross. Measuring 12 feet tall and over 14 feet long, and installed nearly 15 feet above the ground, this totem posed a challenge. However, Allison & Ross Technical Lead Dave Proscia worked out a plan to safely remove the totem and its wings using a scissor lift, two bucket lifts, and a crew of trained art installers. After de-installing the totem, installers brought it back to Allison & Ross where art conservators recommended treatment for insect damage and cosmetic repair. After the conservation was complete, Allison & Ross coordinated secure long-term storage for the piece until its new home can be found at one of Swedish Medical Center’s seven campuses.