A RESTORATION PROJECT

This antique oil painting by Esther Williams is brought back to it's original splendor with a good cleaning and some frame repair.

When a painting in an antique frame arrives, we inspect and test it carefully to propose a treatment plan. You can see this frame has missing sections, chips and corner separation. The oil painting needs cleaning and re-varnishing.

Once the canvas is removed, we notice the vivid edges of the painting that were protected under the lip of the frame. With the proper cleaning techniques, the rest of the painting will match that intensity once again.

The painting after restoration.

Now, let's take a look at the steps required to restore the frame.

After we stabilize and clean the frame, we make impressions to re-create the missing ornate sections.

The new ornate composition is applied.

Corners are stabilized, rope pattern and chips are filled.

Finally, the overall frame is painted and aged to match the original finish. We line the inner lip of the frame with felt, to cushion and keep the painting from direct contact with the frame.

The painting is fit and ready to be enjoyed for years to come.