Hello everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice from folks who have experience working with very large scale frescoes. I have been offerred a chance to propose a fresco for a space that is up to 10' tall by 30' long. It's a beautiful space in a greek revival building from the early 1900's (a real opportunity of a life time)!

While I am very familiar with the painting technique, including plaster layers, I am a looking for information regarding the building of a proper support, capable of holding the 3,000 + lbs. of weight. Currently the wall functions as an interior wall and is red brick covered by old plaster and paint. I figure my options are to remove the plaster and start from scratch on the brick layer (after properly prepping by removing/replacing salt and over baked bricks, etc.) or create a panel wall on the outside of the existing brick wall.

Personally, I have no idea of the condition of the bricks since 99% of them are still covered with plaster. I would hate to remove the plaster only to find most of the bricks unsuitable. I have been envisioning a panel wall although I have never built one for such a large and heavy project (5'x7' is about my largest).

Is a wooden frame, fastened to the existing wall and backed with 3/4' plywood completely out of the question? Any other advice? Would this panel wall require an iron frame with iron studs to support the wieight? How would this be fastened to the existing wall and floor?
Thanks a million for your time and expertise!

Mike