Repair, Cleaning and Conservation of Oil Paintings Protects Collectors’ Investments.While many expansion and acquisition plans have been put on hold during the economic slowdown of the past few years, many institutions and collectors have turned instead toward refurbishing their better quality objects of art and antiques. In the Boston area, the result has been that art restorers and conservators are busier than ever.
A few better known organizations looking to protect their art investments recently have been the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum, The Boston Public Library, The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Several of Boston’s finest educational institutions have also followed suit in repairing and cleaning their oil paintings.
But the majority of work comes from residential collectors. Their paintings are both family heirlooms and more recent works that may have been exposed to fire, smoke, extreme heat, light, water/dampness or general neglect. The result is cracking or chips, peeling paint, mildew or staining, canvas buckling, tears, scratches or just a filmy coating of smoke or dirt from exposure to the air. Often the frames need attention as well.
Restoring oil paintings is a worthwhile endeavor. The immediate reward is a more attractive work of art, much closer to what the artist intended--not a damaged, diminished version of it. But long term, a properly restored painting will be protected from further deterioration, which will likely become more difficult (and expensive) to fix later on. And owning a family heirloom, which is likely to get passed on, comes with a responsibility to protect the investment along the way. Passing on a damaged painting is like passing on any damaged asset---maybe worse, since the recipient may not understand how (or have the financial means) to get it restored.
J. Todd Galleries of Wellesley, MA (http://www.jtodd.com/) has seen a tremendous up-tick in restoration activity. Known regionally for its fine art and conservation services, J. Todd’s Owner/Director, Robert Totaro reports a brisk business in this arena. The 30-year old company had record restoration sales in 2011. Totaro says, “We’ve had the same restorer for over 25 years. He has extensive experience, and it’s a rare occasion when we can’t bring a painting back to near-new condition. It’s a very rewarding line of work, and we love a challenge.”
J. Todd Galleries, 572 Washington St., Wellesley, MA http://www.jtodd.com/, 888-565-6554 or 781-237-3434
