Conserving Art Coast to Coast
EXPO CHICAGO
(02/22/2013):
EXPO CHICAGO HOSTS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF REGIONAL DINNERS FOR COLLECTORS, CURATORS AND CIVIC LEADERS
(09/09/2012):
EXPO CHICAGO
EXPO CHICAGO
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
(09/09/2012):
It All Comes Out in the Wash
Crain's Chicago Business
(07/30/2012):
She's a master of the art of the fix
She's a master of the art of the fix
The Chicago Sun-Times
(06/21/2012):
Summer Art to Intrigue Everyone
National Czech and Slovak Museum
(06/15/2012):
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library Reopens Bigger, Stronger, Better
The Conservation Center
(02/24/2012):
Holland Sentinel
(09/24/2011):
Historic Trust Collection Back at Holland Armory
Chicago Ideas Week
(08/03/2011):
About the Lab: The Marriage of Art and Science
Claims Journal
(07/26/2011):
How to Evaluate Fine Art & Collectible Claims
See more news articles about The Center.
All types of condition defects in antique and fine furniture ranging from simple country work to the most elaborate salon masterpieces are routinely and successfully treated in our expertly staffed and well equipped labs. Our highly-skilled artisans provide world-class treatments which satisfy the criteria of the most discerning collectors and entrepreneurs.
Click on any image below to view a larger version and to view in sequence. For more detailed information, see our archive of related newsletter articles.
The Chevy Chase Sideboard, Gerrard Robinson (English, 1834-1891), c.1863
A magnificent example of Victorian master craftsmanship, this sideboard tells the story of the medieval Ballad of Chevy Chase. Its meticulous detailing has made the Chevy Chase sideboard an icon of Victorian furniture, and this piece is considered by many to be the finest work created during the 19th century.
Damaged by water during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the sideboard was brought to The Center for careful restoration of its deteriorated, warped and discolored surfaces. Treatment included cleaning, flattening and securing bowed and loose veneers, securing lost and damaged joints, closing and filling splits and other restoration techniques.
For an in-depth look at the restoration process, please read this article.
Dutch-style reliquary, Belgium, c. 1600's. Wood, glass, bone, and fabric. 58 x 30 x 8 in.
This old piece was extremely fragile and prone to breaking, as the case was riddled with wormholes and large portions of the wood had broken away; it was initially brought to the Center because the front glass panel had shattered (left). The conservators built a mount for the weakened case and replaced the broken glass (right). For more information about this treatment, including how the conservators decided which paint layer to keep, please read this article.
Tête-à-tête, French, Gilded wood, upholstery. 36 x 18 x 19 in.
The water damage to this sofa compounded the already unstable frame of the piece (left). Treatment involved reupholstering and re-gilding as well as re-gluing joints (right).
Chair with Jade Accents, Chinese, Rosewood and stone, 44 x 27.5 in.
The jade decorations on this chair had been set in place with glue that had long since perished, and previous attempts to re-adhere the pieces left errant glue and misplaced pieces in the design (left). To treat them, all the stone pieces were removed and the old adhesive cleaned from them and the chair; they were refitted to the incised design along with replacement resin elements (right).
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