Why Conservation?
Oil paintings are at great risk from damage by
water, fire, vandalism, central heating, damp storage, removal,
auction and the normal ageing process. This section enables you
to see before, during and after a painting has entered the conservation
system. The transformation can be remarkable. At the studio we
work on paintings from the 16th century to the present day. As
you progress through the illustrated paintings you will see why
conservation is so important using modern global friendly techniques. |
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| Cleaning Conservation Restoration All
three phases are important; Conservation is generally considered
to be 80% of the overall work undertaken with cleaning and brush
restoration 20%. |
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| At the studio we estimate the age and
origin of the painting to determine the type of canvas support required
and the temperature under vacuum later in the process. |
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| Our modern system eliminates the massive
shrinkage problem created by the old glue and iron liners, our low
pressure low temperature process saves the surface and impasto the
glue and wax liners can sometimes destroy. |
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| Cleaning off the old varnish, atmospheric
pollution or over paint is the first job if the paint is not flaking
from the canvas. |
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| During conservation, matching canvas
is cut into badly damaged paintings and stopper is used on small
areas of damage. |
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| After sealing the stopper, brush restoration
and colour matching continues. When the restoration is dry a final
varnish is applied. |
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