When After the Ball, a painting depicting Cinderella’s hurried exit from the ball with a lost glass slipper left on the staircase, arrived at The Center, we knew it deserved a fairytale ending. Our client shared that it is the centerpiece of a “polyptych,” a series illustrating the entire story. These paintings were originally discovered by a family member in an antique market in Milan, where they were believed to be of French origin. Our conservators were eager to work their magic and restore this vital piece of Cinderella’s story.
Truisms
A friend and long-time supporter of The Center recently brought in a piece to update its display. The artwork, which is composed of many individual artworks— plaques with various texts by Jenny Holzer— was to be rearranged and given new framing materials. The result is a work that is more cohesive and visually pleasing.
Conservation-Grade Framing and Display: A Word from the Pros
The Importance of Conservation Framing: The Basics and The Benefits of Archival Housing
When owners and caretakers of artwork want to properly house their treasured works, their collection may pass through The Center’s Custom Framing Department. Works on canvas, metal, wood, plastic and everything in-between are treated at The Chicago Conservation Center. Each work is individually assessed in order to determine the most appropriate type of housing, based upon the medium, the stability of the piece, the style and the client’s display concerns. A wide variety of housing options are available: traditional framing, custom mounts, and vitrines are the most common.





