Services
Expert advice
The first stage of any treatment is a full condition assessment of the painting to understand the issues. Something can be done for most paintings, even those that appear beyond repair. Options for treatment are discussed with the client and a full written report with recommendations and an estimate of cost provided.
Collection surveys
The studio works with a range of clients with large and varied collections. Condition surveys of collections can be undertaken on site. Recommendations can then be made for works on display and storage including conservation priorities and disaster planning.
Cleaning
Overtime, paintings can gather numerous layers of discoloured varnish and dirt, affecting both the clarity and tone of the original work. Through careful testing, using a range of methods, the studio can assess the impact of removing these layers where desirable and in discussion with the client.
Structural work
Paintings on a range of supports are treated in the studio including wooden panels, linen canvas, metal, modern hardboard etc. Ensuring the physical integrity of the support ensures that the paint layers are secure and that the painting is stable for the future. Repairs range from localised humidity treatment and tear repair to full lining of canvases and panel repair.
Consolidation
The stability of the paint layer is one of the main concerns of conservation treatment. Flaking and loss can be caused by a variety of issues including failure of adhesion between the layers; natural aging and degradation and mechanical damage caused by impact. Consolidation helps to secure loose areas of paint bringing them back into contact with the support.
Restoration
Areas of loss or abrasion can be visually distracting when viewing an artwork. These areas can be integrated using a sympathetic approach to retouching which does not disguise the natural aging of a painting. Stable pigments and a variety of media is used depending on the needs of the painting. All retouching is reversible and the level of finish agreed with the client.
Preventive conservation
Preventive conservation covers a range of aspects all aimed at ensuring the long term preservation of an art work. This can involve environmental monitoring of a building where art works are displayed or a store to ensure they are not contributing to the degradation of the object. Preventive conservation also involves reversible methods of supporting an art work such as solid inserts designed dampen vibration to canvas paintings and panel trays for works on wood.
Conservation framing
Conservation framing is considered as good housekeeping for an artwork. Making sure a painting is securely housed in the frame helps with the long term preservation of the object. Conservation framing is carried out to museum standards in the studio. Minor treatment can be undertaken on frames, for more complicated treatment a qualified frame conservator can be recommended.
Technical examination
Research into the materials and techniques of an object can help with the treatment as well as a better understanding of how the art work was created. It can also help with questions of attribution and dating. Later additions and modifications can also be identified. Technical analysis including x-ray; infra-red; paint sampling and dendrochronology can be arranged through the studio.