Waxing Aesthetic: Historical Considerations in the Restoration of a Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet

Waxing Aesthetic: Historical Considerations in the Restoration of a Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet

The Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet, an example of the Grecian-inspired helmets worn by specific members of Napoleon’s cavalry, was brought to The Center in need of restoration. The leather lining of the helmet was loose with several losses to the leather and the risk of further degradation. The proper right leather strap was loose as well, with both straps having been previously re-attached with blue putty. Furthermore, the skull of the helmet exhibited several shallow dents and the horse hair mane was tangled and messy. The top decoration was missing from the helmet completely. There were some scratches on the surface, as well as evidence of use and wear. The metal and hair elements were both coated with dust and grime. There was also some tarnish on the gilded areas.

Pulp Fiction: A Conservator's Detective Work

Pulp Fiction: A Conservator's Detective Work

This painting is from a series of unique pulp art pieces brought to The Center. The conservator initially observed that the quality of the paint layer was inconsistent throughout the painting surface, indicating previous restoration. For example, the paint on the female figure was much more yellow and thickly applied than on the rest of the painting. Examination under UV light confirmed the conservator’s hypothesis of heavy overpainting; large expanses of previous overpaint were in fact present, including all of the woman’s body, face, hair, and the man’s jacket.

Infested: Conserving a Tibetan Ladahki Headdress

Infested: Conserving a Tibetan Ladahki Headdress

This Tibetan headdress arrived at The Center with a severe active moth infestation that had caused major surface and structural damage. The conservation of this object has been an arduous, ongoing process since it was brought to The Center. Moths consume keratin, a protein found in animal furs and wool, and subsequently can destroy anything made from animal products. 

Treatments for Complex Tears

Treatments for Complex Tears

This quaint little painting of an Old Woman Feeding the Birds was recently brought to The Center for treatment due to the complex tear throughout the canvas. The painting, measuring 9 ½” x 7”, had fallen from the wall, causing numerous tears and pulling of the left edge of the canvas from the stretcher. The artist is unknown, but the piece is most likely from the late 19th/ early 20th century and an important personal item to the owner.

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A Portrait of Aretino: A Collaboration of Painting and Frame Conservation

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A Portrait of Aretino: A Collaboration of Painting and Frame Conservation

This painting was brought to our studio after having sustained fire damage. The work is an early, well executed copy, circa mid 19th century, after Titian’s “A Portrait of Aretino”. The original is housed in Palazzo Pitti, Florence. Pietro Aretino was a well known playwright, poet and satiric, who had significant influence on contemporary art and politics in Europe in the 1500s. Because of this influence, he became a close friend to Titian.

What To Look For in a Fine Art Storage Warehouse

What To Look For in a Fine Art Storage Warehouse

An occurrence which we often encounter at The Center is artwork damaged as a result of improper storage. For those who collect art, it is important to consider the necessity of a reputable fine art storage warehouse. Whether your needs are for temporary storage during construction or home renovations, long-term in cases of fire, flood, or natural disasters, or rotational purposes, both private and corporate art collectors should be informed on the specifics that define a safe and secure storage warehouse.

Chinese Tariff Map: History Flaking Apart

Chinese Tariff Map: History Flaking Apart

The Chinese Tariff Map came to The Conservation Center from a private collector who clearly understood the physical limitations of its condition. Our initial observations of the map made it clear that this would be an enormous and complicated treatment challenge. The best description of the paintings layers would be: paper on paper, then adhered on fabric. These very old layers beneath a much older painting or primary support helped us immediately understand that the panorama painting’s condition problems had a long history. 

The Importance of Conservation Framing: The Basics and The Benefits of Archival Housing

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.

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Conservation and Restoration of the Chevy Chase Sideboard

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At the time of Hurricane Katrina, the Chevy Chase Sideboard lay in a warehouse, broken down for shipment and secured on pallets, awaiting transportation north. This journey was scheduled to occur in mere days when the contents of the entire building were inundated by a flood that swamped the entire ninth ward, as well as most of the city of New Orleans.

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