Examination and Documentation
Before any treatment begins, every painting undergoes a comprehensive physical examination and meticulous documentation process. This phase allows us to look closely at the surface and structure, utilizing specialized techniques like raking light to assess surface texture and distortions, and ultraviolet (UV) light to reveal previous restorations and layered varnishes. We carefully record these findings through detailed written reports and high-resolution photography.
While these reports form an essential foundation for a safe, highly tailored treatment plan, they are also invaluable independent tools. Condition reports are often required for insurance purposes, gallery loans, estate planning, or moving and transit. Our rigorous documentation ensures you have a detailed, expert record of your painting’s condition.
Examination and Documentation
Services
Examination and Treatment Proposals
Detailed condition reports are written after the painting has been thoroughly examined, solubility tests conducted, and a custom treatment plan developed. This report is submitted to the owner or agent with a treatment proposal for approval before any physical work begins. Upon completion of treatment, an updated final report accompanies the returned painting, providing a comprehensive record of the techniques and materials used, as well as the artwork's newly restored condition.
Condition Reports and Surveys
Condition reports are an invaluable tool when preparing an artwork for loan, sale, estate planning, or preventive care. These comprehensive documents provide a definitive, objective record of a painting’s physical stability and appearance at a specific moment in time. By meticulously mapping irregularities, structural vulnerabilities, or past restorations, our documentation establishes a clear baseline of condition before an object is exposed to the risks of transit, public exhibition, or long-term storage. Should any change occur, these detailed, expert records serve as your primary evidence.
Collection Maintenance & Display Recommendations
Preserving a painting for the long term requires mindful stewardship of the space in which it lives. We offer on-site consultations and comprehensive collection surveys to help you optimize the display, safety, and longevity of your artwork. Through this service, we evaluate your collection as a whole, providing recommendations for secure hanging hardware, safe display locations, and condition reports for each work. To ensure ongoing protection, we also provide annual maintenance visits to conduct routine surface dusting and monitor your paintings for any physical changes caused by environmental fluctuations. This proactive approach helps you mitigate risks from light, climate, and handling before damage can occur.