Preservation amidst Devastation: Salvaging Historic Tiles after the Los Angeles Wildfires. A Conversation with Conservator Amy Green.

Then & Now

This week’s episode of then & now is part of a series co-sponsored by the L.A. History Collaborative, in which we explore the impact of the catastrophic wildfires that affected Los Angeles in early 2025. We are joined by Amy Green, Principal of Silverlake Conservation and one of Los Angeles’ most seasoned historical conservators. She discusses her efforts to preserve intricately crafted tiles from the early 20th century that have been salvaged from homes in Altadena impacted by the fires as well as the importance of these tiles to the historical context of Altadena and Southern California more broadly.
In the aftermath of the extensive destruction caused by the Eaton Fire, historic Batchelder tiles—recognized as one of Los Angeles' most significant contributions to the American Arts and Crafts movement—have been discovered, sometimes as the only markers of where homes once stood. To preserve these pieces of history, Amy, along with the volunteer organization Save the Tiles, endeavors to protect this essential aspect of cultural heritage. Salvaging these architectural fragments not only preserves elements of the affected homes but also serves as a connection between what has been lost and the future that lies ahead. Amy calls attention to the fact that, in the midst of profound devastation, there emerges a remarkable display of kindness.
Amy Green is a Principal of Silverlake Conservation and has a broad range of experience in the conservation of a variety of materials, including ceramics, glass, metal, stone, concrete, and modern materials. Amy came to the field of conservation as a ceramic artist with a strong working knowledge of clay and glaze chemistry, and she has gravitated towards the treatment of historic tile and architectural terra cotta. Amy has a certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Southern California, a Master’s of Art in Tile Conservation from Antioch University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Further Reading

• Los Angeles Times, ‘The only thing still left.’ Volunteers race to save Altadena’s vintage tiles from the bulldozers
• The New York Times, After the L.A. Wildfires, a Race to Save the Tiles, and the Soul, of Altadena
• Silverlake Conservation
• The Batchelder Tile Registry