Nasher Museum Installs Restored Elizabeth Murray Painting
The massive 1977 work Bob returns to public view following a complex restoration after a building demolition accident.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Nasher Museum of Art has installed Elizabeth Murray’s 1977 painting Bob in its Great Hall. United Therapeutics donated the large-scale artwork to the museum after it was salvaged from the site of the demolished Elion-Hitchings building.
Why it matters
The installation preserves a significant piece of Elizabeth Murray's career that was nearly lost during a 2020 demolition accident. The move ensures the piece remains in North Carolina, satisfying the wishes of United Therapeutics.
The painting measures approximately 11 by 11 feet and required one year of intensive repair. The museum secured a $100,000 grant to fund the extensive conservation efforts.
The players
Elizabeth Murray
She was a renowned American painter known for her large-scale, shaped canvases that blurred the lines between painting and sculpture.
Nasher Museum of Art
Located in Durham, it is a prominent art museum affiliated with Duke University that focuses on diverse artistic contributions.
United Therapeutics
This is a biotechnology company that donated the painting after acquiring the site where it was originally housed.
Jason Andrew
He is an art professional who successfully identified the painting in early 2021 following its recovery from a demolition site.
Art Conservation Solutions
This organization specializes in the preservation and structural repair of complex works of fine art.
The details
Art Conservation Solutions in New York led the restoration, which involved repairing spiral cracking on the surface and replacing the unique wooden frame. The painting was recovered after falling during the 2020 demolition process and was subsequently identified by Jason Andrew in early 2021.
Timeline
1978: The painting was initially placed in the Elion-Hitchings building.
2020: The painting fell during the demolition of the building.
January 2021: Jason Andrew identified the damaged painting.
Mid-October 2026: The restored painting was installed at the Nasher Museum.
Industry Dynamics
The restoration follows the standards of the Bank of America Art Conservation Project, reflecting a wider institutional effort to salvage cultural heritage. This installation highlights the growing role of corporate philanthropy in preserving large-scale contemporary works.
Visitors to Durham can now view the restored work in the Great Hall of the Nasher Museum of Art. The installation provides the public with rare access to a piece that was hidden from view for decades and nearly destroyed.
The takeaway
The successful recovery of the painting highlights the importance of institutional vigilance in identifying art amidst demolition debris. Interested individuals should appreciate the technical challenges involved in maintaining large, uniquely shaped works of art.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural preservation efforts in the Fine Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INDY Week.
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