Our clients, Julie and Mike Gustafson, are passionate collectors who deeply value preserving art that connects to Chicago’s artistic heritage. They entrusted The Conservation Center with the conservation and custom framing of a Phyllis Bramson piece, Thirteen Ways to Live, Eight Ways Chosen, Rising Up from the Ashes by Worshiping the Act.

We invite you to watch a special conversation with Phyllis Bramson and Julie and Mike Gustafson at The Center as they discuss the importance of art collecting and the significance of this particular piece. The conversation offers insights into both the artist's process and the collectors' approach to art preservation.

Art conservation is a bridge between past and present, allowing history’s narratives to endure for future generations. One such story recently unfolded at The Conservation Center, where a 1926 sketch by Diego Rivera, Study for Germination Panel at Chapingo (Tina Modotti), arrived for treatment. 

Frank Stella’s (1936 – 2024) work has long captivated audiences with its bold, geometric precision and daring use of form. A pivotal figure in post-war American art, Stella’s career continuously pushed the boundaries of abstraction and minimalism. His innovative techniques and material choices have influenced generations of artists, cementing his place in art history. When a print by Stella arrived at The Conservation Center, it presented a compelling challenge—one that demanded both technical expertise and a deep respect for the artist’s vision. 

At The Conservation Center, we’re no strangers to unique and treasured heirlooms, each carrying its own history and sentimental value. One such remarkable piece that recently set sail into our lab was a crafted model cutter ship—a beloved family artifact that had weathered the tides of time. This intricate model had been passed down through four generations, gracing the dens and studies of various homes where it served as a backdrop for family gatherings, games, and conversations. However, years of nicotine exposure, UV damage, and multiple moves had taken a toll, leaving the ship in need of expert care. 

Edgar Rice Burroughs (American, 1875 – 1950) remains one of the most influential American authors of the early 20th century, best known for creating the iconic character Tarzan and for his contributions to the adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres. His stories—filled with thrilling escapades, larger-than-life heroes, and vivid imaginary worlds—captured the imaginations of readers and continue to shape modern storytelling. 

At The Conservation Center, we recently had the privilege of working on two remarkable paintings from The Vinson Collection: The Golden Lion and The Warlords of Mars. The collection is a comprehensive archive of materials related to Burroughs and is dedicated to preserving the author’s literary and artistic legacy. Founded by Stanleigh B. Vinson in the 1940s, it is the most significant collection of Burroughs’ works and memorabilia outside of Burroughs estate. The paintings themselves represent key moments from Burroughs’ tales and stand as vital pieces of this carefully curated collection. 

We recently had the privilege of treating a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a beloved family heirloom: an antique Middle Eastern parquetry gaming table. Though based in Chicago, we work on projects across the country, and our client carefully packaged this treasured piece and sent it from her home in Colorado. 

The Schaumburg Library, serving the communities of Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood, is more than just a place for books—it’s a hub for art, culture, and history. The library welcomes over 1 million visitors annually across its three branches, offering access not only to literary resources but to remarkable works of art. Among these treasures are several pieces by Martyl Suzanne Schweig Langsdorf (American, 1917-2013), a Chicago-based artist whose work has had a profound impact on the worlds of both art and science. When several of Martyl’s pieces came to The Conservation Center from the Schaumburg Library for treatment, we were honored to help preserve these important works.

Recently, The Conservation Center had the privilege of collaborating on a multi-departmental conservation and display project with the National Public Housing Museum.

Alex Katz (American, b. 1920) is renowned for his vibrant visual language, which blends realism and abstraction, with a strong emphasis on form and color. With more than 200 solo exhibitions and international acclaim, Katz has made a significant mark on the art world. While he is celebrated primarily for his paintings, Katz has also made important contributions to printmaking and drawing, where his signature style is executed with precision and fluidity. 

Recently, we had the pleasure of treating The Dog, a captivating aquatint of a French bulldog sitting attentively, brought to us by a client who was carefully reviewing his collection and noticed it needed some care. Katz’s love for dogs is a recurring theme in his work, capturing their personality and presence with the same intimacy and clarity that he brings to his human subjects. 

It’s not often that the day to day of a conservators crosses over with that of a zookeeper, but when yet another whimsical animal sculpture by Chicago artist John Kearney (1924-2014) came through the doors of The Center, we were ready to take care of a giraffe! We have had lots of experience treating Kearney sculptures in the past, so when our client found this piece at an auction, Andrew Rigsby, associate conservator of furniture, was prepared for the challenge ahead.

Here at The Center, we love helping clients preserve pieces of their family history. When a client brought in an ambrotype cased photograph of one of their ancestors, our conservators were eager to get to work. 

Philippe Starck (French, b. 1949) is one of the most influential and innovative designers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with a diverse portfolio that spans everything from innovative toothbrushes to Olympic medals and luxury yachts. Recently, we had the opportunity to conserve an example of one of his most iconic pieces: the W.W. Stool, a design so significant that it graced the cover of Taschen’s 1991 monograph, Starck.

The Conservation Center is honored to be assisting the Roswell Museum with rescue efforts for their collection that was affected by the flood in October. An update on the uphill battle for remediation as the Roswell Museum recovers from a disastrous 500-year flood can be found here in an article published in Southwest Contemporary by Natalie Hegert.

When a stunning, colorful relief in the manner of the della Robbia workshop arrived at The Center for treatment, we eagerly anticipated restoring this beautiful object to its former glory.  

Thomas Birch (1779–1851) was an influential English-born American landscape painter known for his evocative depictions of natural scenery, particularly along the East Coast. We recently had the pleasure of treating an oil on panel by Birch here at The Conservation Center. The results of the treatment were dramatic, as our conservators brought a beautiful sky-scene back to life, casting light on the solemn burial ritual below. This scene is an excellent example of Birch’s mastery of depicting the natural world, with his keen eye for detail and vibrant use of color. 

When this stunning French commode arrived at The Conservation Center for treatment, our conservators sprang into action to craft a solution that would require both their technical skill and historical knowledge of the art of marquetry.

They say a broken mirror causes seven years of bad luck, but with the work of our skilled conservators, we can cut that timeframe down to a few months of treatment. When this beautiful gilded mirror arrived at The Center in pieces after a fall, our team knew exactly how to handle this multi-faceted project.

The Conservation Center is honored to be named one of the 2024 ARTnews Top Art World Professionals. The list focuses on the leaders in 12 categories within the United States, the largest single national market for art.