Conservation Services

Condition reports consist of the current condition of the work of art, the proposed treatment through diagnostic testing and analysis, and an estimate for conservation. These reports include before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment photo-documentation. They are vital for the life-cycle of the work of art and necessary for transport, sale, loans and collection management. 

We are often consulted  prior to purchase to perform a Condition Report for prospective buyers or sellers. We also provide these documents for insurance records and appraisal needs. 

Archival service records are provided post treatment, which include the treatment performed and the condition after treatment has concluded.

Dirt, soot, grime, mold, foxing and accretions can build up over time and can lead to permanent staining. Conservation cleaning is a delicate process, carried out after thorough testing and examination. When cleaning a work of art, many considerations are in place such as historical contexts, artists intention,  and safety of the piece, to name a few. We use the utmost caution and ethical standards when cleaning any work of art. 

Paintings

Works on paper

Objects

Outdoor sculptures

Books

Digital media

and more

Paper can yellow overtime causing an image to be obstructed and dull. Washing a work on paper in alkalized water can sometimes reduce acid staining from acidic overmats, secondary supports, backings and various other causes. 

Varnish can discolor over time and the integrity of a painting suffers, as its palette, tone and spacial dimensions are corrupted. Careful cleaning removes these layers, revealing the work’s original depth and luster. 

Works on paper overtime can be rolled, folded and framed or handled improperly causing stress and warping to occur to the paper. With humidification and weight, we can help to relax and flatten the piece. 

Throughout the course of a work on paper's life, a backing may be attached which may no longer be stable or is inappropriately attached. By delicately removing the backing and support, we are able to then flatten, wash and/or resupport the piece.

Artworks which have been subject to previous conservation attempts, in which the original paint has been covered with poorly matched overpaint are carefully treated to remove these layers to reveal the painting beneath as the artist intended or the historical context in which they now sit. 

We employ a wide range of techniques and methods to restore torn, damaged or weak works on canvas and paper.  We address small tears or fractures to significant rips and distortions. This process may include re-lining the entire canvas or paper to provide additional and appropriate support. Works on paper are mended and flattened appropriately with the utmost care and integrity. Works on paper are mended with high quality Japanese paper and wheat paste to ensure both stability in the mend and the ability to reverse the treatment if needed. 

Retouching, also known as in-painting, restores the visual integrity of an artwork that may present areas of loss or degradation. Paint is carefully matched to ensure a seamless regeneration of the original image as the artist intended, or as historical context applies. All studio retouching is reversible and in accordance with AIC guidelines and ethics.

Different layers of paint experience different stresses as they dry and age, as well as mishandling or accidents, resulting in paint cracking, flaking and being lost. Consolidation stabilizes these layers to ensure the future integrity of the piece and make it safe for any further treatment procedures.

With the aid of a vacuum heat table, we offer specialized treatments which flatten and consolidate works of art with canvases and paint layers that are suffering from instability. 

Our heat table enables us to evenly and consistently distribute the necessary heat and pressure combination to reline and stabilize a canvas in need of such treatment. We are proud to be the only private practice studio in the Bay Area to currently include this invaluable piece of equipment.

Our skilled and talented outdoor sculpture and object conservators employ cutting-edge techniques and materials to address the unique challenges posed by outdoor environments. From bronze and stone to contemporary installations, we approach each outdoor sculpture with a meticulous understanding of its composition and historical significance. Through a combination of thorough assessment, expert cleaning, and targeted treatments, we strive to revive and protect outdoor sculptures and objects, allowing them to continue telling their stories for generations to come.

Our conservation team is equipped to handle the treatment of books and archival materials ranging from basic stabilization and housing to large scale conservation.

We provide custom enclosures for your works of art on paper, documents, and books depending on your housing preservation needs. Some examples include; Mylar archival sleeves, four flap enclosures, and clamshell boxes. 

Our studio cares for, cleans and reconstructs period frames with both historical and modern techniques. We provide conservation framing for works in our care and partner with the highest quality framers to create bespoke framing solutions to best fit your work of art.