A tear in a canvas can affect both the appearance and the structural stability of a painting. Careful treatment is therefore needed to stabilise the damaged area while preserving as much of the original paint as possible. A particularly challenging aspect of conserving a portrait is treating damage that directly…
Restoring the glow
Integrating worn gilding There are several approaches to integrating worn gilding, depending on the object, the extent of the losses and the desired visual effect. In this case, I chose to use watercolour to subtly tone the worn areas, harmonising them with the surrounding gilding while preserving the original surface…
Stabilising flaking paint
Flaking and lifting paint requires careful consolidation to prevent further loss and stabilise the fragile paint layer. The process involves securing the loose flakes back into place using a suitable conservation adhesive, while applying minimal pressure. This helps to ensure the long-term stability of the paint layer and a more…
Conservation of a Contemporary British painting
Stabilising the support and paint layer Contemporary paintings can present their own particular conservation challenges, especially when the support has become distorted or damaged over time. In this case, the artwork was executed on a fibreboard support which had become bowed and fractured in several areas, affecting the stability of…
From missing detail to a seamless finish
Over time, frames can accumulate dust and surface dirt, while knocks and losses can affect their decorative surfaces. The frame of Queen Mary portrait was carefully cleaned and a mould was taken from the intact decorative areas, allowing the missing ornament to be accurately reproduced and integrated into the damaged…
Restoring a missing decorative detail
When water damage takes away part of a decorative scheme, careful reconstruction can bring the original design back to life The wall painting exhibited severe deterioration of the paint layer, including areas of complete loss, flaking and lifting, disrupting the continuity of the geometric pattern.
Revealing the original details of a still life
This still life painting, depicting a selection of fruit arranged on white damask tablecloth, had become altered over time, with areas of overpainting added sometime after the Second World War. After conservation the painting appeared clearer and more balanced, with the original colours and details.
The risks of cleaning oil paintings at home without professional guidance
Professional cleaning begins with a careful examination of the painting’s surface and canvas, followed by testing and thorough assessment. Over decades, dust, nicotine, and airborne particles can accumulate within the fibres of the canvas, forming a greasy, discoloured surface layer that obscures the original appearance of the painting. Cleaning an…