Conservation and Restoration
Museum quality restoration begins with preliminary observations in person of an object’s condition and the piece is photographed. Historical significance and value are considered, as are the client’s goals for that object.
Traditional gilding materials and methods are used whenever possible and as much of the original surface is preserved so that a conserved or restored piece continues to look like an authentic object, compliments the art it surrounds and fits appropriately into its setting. A thorough analysis of the condition of the piece and the proposed treatment is provided in writing.
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19th century frame with composition ornaments. Finish is a combo of real gold leaf and bronze powder paint. Missing ornaments were cast and replaced.
Before restoration.
Water gilded and burnished “bead” decoration.
After restoration.
Completed restoration.
19th century frame, entirely over-painted with bronze powder paint, frame was stripped and missing pieces recast.
19th century frame, entirely over-painted with bronze powder paint, frame was stripped and missing pieces recast.
Original burnished water gilding on the “rope” molding was preserved.
Toned frame with lightly cleaned painting.
Federal mirror, before restoration.
Federal mirror, after restoration.
Federal mirror with combination of oil and water gilding.
Federal mirror, after regilding.
Federal mirror, after restoration.
After finish was stripped, during restoration of missing ornaments.
Burnished water gilding completed. Oil gilding in progress.
Washington Allston frame after restoration.
Early 20th century frame with original bronze powder finish.
Frame regilded in real gold leaf, combination of water and oil gilding, liner added.