When an Accident Leaves a Hole in a Painting: Repairing a Badly Damaged Canvas
This landscape came to my north London conservation studio after its owner slipped and, while trying to steady himself, accidentally put his thumb through the canvas. Unfortunately, the damage could hardly have occurred in a more conspicuous place. Two holes had been made close to the centre of the composition, immediately beside the cattle that […]
Dropped or Damaged a Painting? It May Be Repairable
Accidents happen surprisingly easily. A painting can be knocked from a wall, damaged during a house move, caught on the corner of a piece of furniture or accidentally struck by another object. The result can be alarming: a torn or punctured canvas, cracked or flaking paint, a dent, split wooden panel or damage to the […]
Can a Torn Painting Be Repaired Invisibly?
A torn painting might seem like a straightforward problem. The canvas has split, so surely the aim is simply to join it back together. In reality, that’s only the beginning. I recently attended a specialist workshop devoted to the conservation of torn canvases, and one thing stood out above everything else. Several paintings with remarkably […]
Oil Painting Cleaning and Restoration Before and After
Discover how professional oil painting restoration revealed the original light, colour, and atmosphere hidden beneath aged varnish and dirt.
Before and After Painting Cleaning: Restoring Depth, Colour & Clarity
Over time, even a well kept painting can lose its clarity. Colours flatten, contrast disappears, and what was once a vibrant scene becomes dull and indistinct. This landscape is a good example of how it’s possible to restore colour in old paintings. In its “before” state, the composition is still visible, but the atmosphere is […]
Logistics Meets Conservation: The Rescue of a Trapped Painting
Some projects remind you that conservation does not happen in isolation. Recently a London removal company contacted me with an urgent challenge involving a two metre by two metre contemporary painting that simply would not leave the flat. The artwork had been installed 28 years earlier by hoisting it in through the utility room window. […]
Beyond the Naked Eye – Your Painting’s Secrets Exposed
Before any work can be done, a painting repairer must conduct a thorough visual examination. Whatever you bring to me for restoration, I will spend a significant time looking at it and I will end up knowing your painting literally inside and out. There are a variety of ways I can use to look at […]
Repairing Canvases Damaged at Home During a Move or Rehang
Accidents happen. A painting that has hung safely for years can suddenly suffer when it is moved to a new house or rehung in a different place. As a conservator, I often meet clients who feel panicked after discovering a dent, a tear, or a puncture in their artwork. The good news is that most […]
How to Remove Yellowed Varnish from a Painting Without Damaging It
When Varnish Does More Harm Than Good Varnish plays a crucial role in preserving a painting’s colour and protecting it from dust, smoke, and UV damage. But over time, varnish can yellow and obscure the original vibrancy of the artwork beneath. This is a common issue faced by collectors, galleries, and private owners alike. If […]
Acrylic vs. Rabbit Skin Glue: Choosing the Right Consolidant for Flaking Oil Paint
Flaking paint? Not sure what to do? Find out how an art restorer approaches this repair.
Consolidation: What Is It and Why Does My Painting Need It?
There are likely to be several interventions required for any painting that you bring to an art restorer, and one of these may well be something called consolidation. Think of consolidation as a delicate surgical procedure for your painting. Like a skilled surgeon, I carefully attend to the layers, reattaching them with precision. It’s about […]
Picture Conservation: The Canvas Culprit Behind Your Damaged Painting
When you look at your painting you probably don’t think much about the canvas support behind it. After all, unless the painting is damaged you probably can’t see the canvas. However, when you bring your piece to a studio for picture conservation, it is almost guaranteed that any damage has been caused by the failure […]