These are some of the reasons a painting's condition is altered. The gradual darkening or yellowing of the painting's appearance is so subtle and occurs over time that we are not even aware of the changes. The painting that has been hanging on your wall for 30 years, or the painting you remember as a child in your parents' home is not showing its true colours, so to speak. Two of the telltales are the colour of the sky that is very rarely green and the colour of the snow that is not meant to be off-white or yellow. If you notice the whites of your painting looking off-white, yellow or grey, it is time to come and see us.
Over the years, dealing with the general public, I have noticed a repeating pattern of misconceptions that I will try to address. Most of these misconceptions often originate in art dealers and auction houses that have seen some disastrous restoration attempts by people who dabble in restoration. The result of such failed attempts does decrease the value of art but to go as far as to assume that all art restorers use unethical tactics is not wise and they should use caution when advising their clients.
Some of the misconceptions are:
a) If a painting is cleaned, relined or retouched, it loses its value.
b) Paintings should be left alone, no matter how dark they look, or how many tears, or flacking they have, in order to maintain their value.
c) Removing the varnish will damage the painting.
d) Art dealers do not bid on or buy paintings that have been restored.
Conservation or restoration not only enhances the value by prolonging the life of your work of art but it also allows you to view the art work the way it was intended by its creator. All the world's galleries and museums are filled with paintings that have been restored, in some cases 2 or 3 times in their lifetime. You are able to enjoy the Mona Lisa because of the work of an art conservator. If it had been left alone, the painting would have deteriorated.
When you bring your painting to us, we will examine it and decide on a treatment that is suitable. We will discuss with you several options and stages of the treatment and come to a decision that will prolong the life of your art by revealing the colours the artist intended to give us. A thorough examination of your painting under magnification, and UV light will help us determine if the painting has been restored before. A small cleaning sample at the edge of the painting is necessary in order to calculate our costs. On most cases you will have to leave your painting behind and we will call you with an estimate.
