A Collectors guide to  conservation, care and handling OF WORKS OF ART AND DOCUMENTS

This etching by James McNeal Whistler was severely "cockled"  from exposure to extreme moisture. It also suffered from darkening and embrittlment due to and acid content caused by improper framing. The treatment involved humidification and cleaning using aqueous methods

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What Kinds of Problems Can Be Rectified and How Successful Can Treatments Be?

 At times conservation labs parallels to a hospital emergency room.  We treat pictures that have suffered everything from floods to bullet holes.  The problems we encounter and the dramatic results we often achieve are often impressive:

• Embrittled paper can be rehydrated and supported with special tissues.
• Fragmenting and tears can be effectively repaired.
• Stains resulting from water, pressure- sensitive tapes, glues, mold or mildew (foxing) and rust can often be eradicated or significantly reduced.
• Pieces that have been improperly mounted or glued down to boards can usually be removed from mounts and all glue residue eliminated.
• Pigments that are “cupping” or flaking off can be consolidated and stabilized.
• Varnish and lacquers can be removed from most surfaces.
• Folds can be removed or significantly reduced with controlled humidification and drying procedures.
• “Cockling” or waviness from exposure to excessive water or humidity can be reversed.
• Severely deteriorated canvases can be relined adding support to the canvas and pigment layer.
• Trimmed canvases can be strip lined enabling them to be properly restretched.
• Torn or punctured paintings can be “rewoven” and disrupted pigments replaced.

 The anticipated results are discussed with the client before proceeding with any treatment.  Our vast experience with works of art and objects on paper allows us to predict accurately the degree of success.  For additional assurance we frequently secure permission to test a piece before proceeding with any work

 How Do I Determine That My Art or Heirloom is Valuable Enough to Warrant the Cost of Restoration?

Value can be characterized in three ways: monetary, historic and sentimental.  Collectors of fine art, realizing that their collection will survive them, feel they have a custodial duty to safeguard it for posterity.  This responsibility applies to family heirlooms as well.  Many people possess documents which are important links in preserving family history and memories.  Marriage certificates, naturalization papers, deeds, diplomas, letters and antique photographs usually can at least be stabilized in a cost effective manner.  Our staff has the experience and expertise to give you an educated opinion relative to the significance or approximate value of your piece.  We will not recommend that you restore or conserve a piece dubious quality or value. Normally, we can offer more than one option to address your specific needs.  We can also refer you to a qualified appraiser in your area.

How Do I Get the Piece To You and Receive an Estimate?

 We do not charge for estimates.  If your piece is treated by us, it will be returned to you for only nominal packing and shipping charge.  Our shipping and receiving department is dedicated to proper handling and packaging of valuable works on paper.

 Our professional and experienced staff enables us to schedule and complete most treatments within a six week period.  Your local professional framer or art gallery can advise you about our service and is an excellent liaison to handling shipping the piece and discussing options. You can also refer to our packaging and shipping instructions.

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