Treatment Process
All paintings are given personal care by the conservators from examination through treatment.
Guided by the needs of each painting, the process of conservation is subjective. Therefore, the cost for conservation treatment varies depending on the needs of each painting. The conservator, a minimal interventionist, abides by the code of ethics set forth by The American Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
Treatment Processes
All treatments and photos depicted in this website were performed exclusively by our studio unless otherwise indicated.
Cleaning
Natural resins that yellow with time, residual dirt and air-borne pollutants distort original colors diminishing the aesthetic value of the painting. After proper evaluation of the painting surface, the best cleaning processes can be applied with amazing results.
Discolored varnish was carefully removed from the surface of this painting with organic solvents
Repairing Tears
Torn or punctured canvases can be repaired. There are many different methods used based on the type and extent of damage:
- Linings done with BEVA371 adhesive on a vacuum hot table with Belgian linen
- Fabric Welding and Bridging
- Patching
Filling and Inpainting
Damaged areas and areas of paint loss are filled and conservatively inpainted using reversible materials, employing techniques that make the retouched area indistinguishable from the rest of the painting.
Repairing Other Problems
Water damage, flaking, paint loss, shrinking, cracking, reticulation, fungi and insect infestation are all issues that Cusworth Conservation can address and successfully treat.
Edward Gay Painting Repair
The painting below, by Edward Gay, entered our studio in a petrified and crumpled state.
Having been abandoned for years in the back of a closet, dry and on brittle Jute, the painting was very fragile. After days of monitored treatment and gentle coaxing, the painting was finally brought back to plane with no new damages. It was then cleaned, lined, filled and inpainted.
Do you have artwork that needs repair?
Contact our landline at 609-397-5441 for an appointment or contact us online.