MUSEUM-QUALITY PAINTINGS
CONSERVATION
Paintings are conserved and restored with an eye toward detail and, especially, the artist’s original intent. Restoration may require cleaning the painting of accumulated soot and grime, removing old discolored varnish, setting down lifted and cracked paint, filling and retouching paint losses, and applying a layer of varnish to achieve a uniform and pleasing surface. The materials used in restoration, such as retouching mediums, pigments, bonding adhesives and varnishes are chosen for their high quality, working properties and, most importantly, their reversibility.

COLLECTION SURVEY
Private, corporate or museum collections, whether very large or very small, are assessed to determine the condition of individual paintings, the storage setup, and the environmental lighting, temperature and humidity. Recommendations are made to conserve and preserve the collections for future generations.

PHOTOGRAPHIC AND WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION
Digital images are taken of a painting before, during and after restoration. A written report is provided that outlines the condition of the painting prior to restoration and a summary of the methods and materials used upon completion of the treatment.

INSURANCE ESTIMATES
Condition reports and proposed restoration treatment estimates are provided for insurance companies or policy holders.

EMERGENCY ON-SITE CONSERVATION TREATMENTS
Restoration or conservation treatment is available in case of emergency, such as water or smoke damage.

PAINTING EXAMINATIONS IN STUDIO OR ON-SITE
Paintings are usually examined in the studio to determine a course of restoration treatment. Arrangements can also be made to examine paintings on-site.

PRE-PURCHASE CONDITION CONSULTATIONS
It is advisable to have a painting examined and to know its condition before, rather than after, a sale. Condition reports provided by auction houses are not always reliable. With a conservator’s eye, old damages and restorations, overpaint, distortions, abraded paint film and some not-so-apparent condition issues would be pointed out and the overall condition assessed.

LININGS on 5' x 7' HOT TABLE
The hot table is used to line weak and damaged canvases to auxiliary supports or to flatten distorted surfaces. The table is a thick aluminum plate equipped with internal heating coils and a vacuum suction port. The linings are carried out using heat activated bonding materials and vacuum suction compression. This treatment is used conservatively and only when necessary.