Restoration of Easel Paintings
Paintings are valuable objects irrespective of their monetary worth. They can be objects of great beauty, important historical records, or simply cherished family possessions or heirlooms.
Paintings can deteriorate or sustain damage in several ways: dust and grime can obscure the image; discoloured varnish can affect subtle tonal changes; exposure to fluctuating temperature and humidity can lead to cracking and flaking paint; physical damage such as tears, punctures and scratches can occur during transport and handling.
Restoration by a trained and experienced conservator may enhance the aesthetic and financial value of a painting for current and future generations. Preventive conservation strategies, such as environmental control, or more practical measures, such as the attachment of backboards to paintings, can retard the deterioration of paintings and objet d’art.
Projects:
Conservation of Hubert Herkomer’s portrait of William Cawkwell for the National Railway Museum
- Treatment of paintings across all media.
- Surface cleaning.
- Removal of discoloured varnish.
- Filling & retouching of paint loss.
- Consolidation of flaking paint.
- Local and overall treatment of out-of-plane distortion.
- Tear and puncture repair.
- Structural treatment of canvas supports.
- Restoration of frames.
- Technical & scientific examination.
- Collection Surveys.
- Collection Management.
- Preventive conservation.
- Full written & photographic documentation.