Conservation

From cleaning, to stabilizing, to structural repairs and reconstructions, we can work with you to find the appropriate path towards maintaining the longevity and beauty of your frame or gilded object.

While every period of frames has its unique qualities, the fundamental materials and processes remain the same. Wood, gesso, compo, rabbit skin glue, gilding, finish, patina. Having worked on American and European frames from the last three centuries we have gathered a strong working knowledge of the roots and solutions to most forms of damage and decay.

Whether it be from accidental impact, degradation of substrate, or the inevitable consequences of age, we can compose a plan to stabilize or reconstruct most structural or surficial problems a frame can have. Our work ranges from simple cosmetic touch-ups to maintain visual appeal under a budget to full restorations involving stripping frames down to the original wooden surface and building back up to the right finish.

Where possible we duplicate original materials and strive to use the highest quality materials and methods.

Here you can see an old and much-degraded wood and compo frame go through the stages of restoration- reassembly, casting and filling lost pieces, gilding, and finish.